AG2R Prévoyance professional Mark Scanlon showed he is on the way back after a below-par 2005 season with a strong ride in yesterday's Het Volk semi-classic in Belgium.
The 25 year old Sligoman was at the head of affairs towards the finale of the prestigious 1.HC ranked contest, going clear with twelve others inside the final 50 kilometres of the 202 kilometre event, and then forging ahead again in a four-man group with 24 kilometres to go.
This group was joined by Philippe Gilbert (Francaise des Jeux) and while Scanlon lost contact inside the final seven kilometres, he finished together with world champion Tom Boonen (QuickStep Innergetic) and Tour de France green jersey winner Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) in a nine man chasing move sprinting for 12th place. Scanlon was 19th.
Race victory went to Gilbert, who clipped away with seven kilometres remaining and opened up a 38 second lead over Bert De Waele (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago). Leon van Bon (Davitamon-Lotto) was third, 54 seconds down. Scanlon's group came in 2 minutes and 1 second behind Gilbert.
The former world junior champion will be in some ways disappointed to lose out on a possible top six place, but will also take encouragement from the fact that his form is improving.
Scanlon tends to hit top shape later in the year and so if he continues to gain strength as the summer approaches, a good season looks set to be in store.
