Power closes in on Sun Tour
Ciaran Power of the Linda McCartney Pro Cycling Team edged closer to the top
of the leaderboard in Australia's Sun Tour earlier today. Heading an
excellent Irish team, Ciaran has landed an incredible six top-ten finishes
over the first eight stages!
This afternoon's 90km road stage was taken in great style by Ciaran's
teammate Aidan Duff, who soloed away from a break with 50kms remaining.
Ciaran was also in the move, and took 2nd place in the sprint behind Aidan.
He moves up to 6th overall, just 25 seconds behind Australia's Steve Williams
in the leader's jersey.
Ciaran was devastated by the loss of his grandfather just a week ago, and
considered an immediate return to Waterford, but decided not to let his
teammates down after the long journey to Melbourne. The good form that took
him to the Olympics and a fine ride in Sydney has not deserted him, and he is
finishing his great 2000 in wonderful style.
The Sun Tour is a bit of an epic; 15stages in all and not scheduled to finish
until next Sunday. A lot can happen between now and then, but Ciaran is
backing himself to be involved.
Mirko Puglioli is also signing off this season with a flourish. They chirpy
Italian took 12th overall at the Giro della Provincia di Lucca for Linda
McCartney as the race finished on Friday.
As the final Italian race before the World Championships, di Lucca was an
intense battle, with Fassa Bortolo's Alessandro Pettachi taking the win and
booking his start in Plouay next weekend as a result. Mapei kingpin Michele
Bartoli confirmed himself as one of the favourites for the world title with a
series of strong performances over the four-day race, as did defending World
Champion Oscar Freire of Spain. The race was stretched from start to finish
by stars determined to gain selection or test their form for the big one. To
finish 12th in a race of this quality is a fantastic result for Mirko, and
the whole team are delighted for him.
Linda McCartney team mechanic Craig Geater has driven straight to Brittany
from Italy to join up with the New Zealand team as their mechanic for the
World Championships. The racing starts tomorrow, with the main protagonists
arriving over the next few days, ready for Sunday's big showdown.
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