Sligo cyclist Mark Scanlon has been told by team bosses that he could race in this year's Tour de France. The 23-yearold has been informed by team bosses at his AG2R team that he will race in either Le Tour or the Tour of Spain, and in doing so he will become the first Irishman to compete in the Tour since the days of Stephen Roche and Sean Kelly.
Speaking in today's Irish Star from his Agen training camp in France, Scanlon confirmed: "To be honest it came as a bit of a surprise, but it's a great boost and I'm really excited at the prospect of riding in either Tour. "
The former World Junior champion, who will race for Ireland at next summer's Olympic Games in Athens, added: "Obviously selection in which event I ride in will depend on form nearer the time, and remaining injury free, I'm confident I can do that."
Filed by Shane Murray
