Amid row over Masters' 50 Irish road title; here's photos of the key moment

We brought you two interviews yesterday with the winner, Declan Hanrahan of Carrick Wheelers, and the runner up, John Madden of Dig Deep Coaching, of the Masters' 50 race at the National Road Race Championships in Omagh last weekend.

Madden was annoyed, saying he had done the work on the front of their two-man winning escape in the last few kilometres only because Hanrahan agreed not to sprint at the finish and settle for silver.

But Hanrahan said no such deal was done; that he was clear with Madden he felt he would beat him in the sprint or win a gallop from the group if those riders just behind caught them.

He insisted Madden had clearly misinterpreted what was said between the pair in the closing stages.

But Madden said he would never have towed him the last couple of kilometres to the line unless a deal had been done.

Advertisement

Here's a great set of photos of some of the crucial moments when Madden attacked and tried to shake of Hanrahan, who refused to yield.

 

Madden, second rider from left in mainly black kit with some red, has a look around the breakaway just before he attacks, Hanrahan is second in line in the black and green kit of Carrick.

 

Madden puts the boot down, clearly trying to leave the others and also drop Hanrahan who is on his wheel.

Related News

 

Madden knows Hanrahan is on his wheel and is about to go again to try to break free alone. He says a deal was made shortly after these shots were taken.

 

Madden drives hard but Hanrahan is determined to hang in; the group just seconds behind them.

 

The final podium: Madden on the far left looking none too pleased; Hanrahan in the middle with the gold medal around his neck and the champion's jersey on his back. And don't forget the man on the far right; Stephen Finnigan of Eire Og coming in just nine seconds down to claim a fantastic bronze medal on the national stage.