Irish professional rider Mark Scanlon impressed on his way to a credible 67th place finish in the Elite Men's Road Race at the World Championships in Hamilton, Canada, on Sunday. The 23-year-old Sligoman finished just 42 seconds behind eventual winner Igor Astarloa from Spain.
Astarloa was one of six riders who ripped clear of the main bunch on the final lap of the action-packed 258km race, jumping away with pre-race favourites Paolo Bettini, Peter Van Petegem, Michael Boogerd, 1998 champion Oscar Camezind and Bo Hamburger to open up a 20 second lead on the main bunch.
The Spanish one-day specialist made his solo move on the last hill of the race, picking his moment perfectly to forge clear of the leading group and then climbing powerfully to open a race-winning lead. He crossed the line five seconds clear of compatriot Alejandro Valverde, Van Petegem and Bettini.
Scanlon can take great heart from a solid ride in what was his first Elite World Championships. He had been in the thick of the action throughout the difficult race and, at just 23 years of age, will be delighted with what was a very promising performance.
Filed by Shane Murray
