Flanders hero Eddie Dunbar on his changed approach to cycling
Eddie Dunbar produced the ride of his life yesterday to win the U23 Tour of Flanders in Belgium. He saw off the challenge of Jasper Philipsen and Jeremy Lecroq at the end of the 168-kilometre contest (All photos by Jens Morel)
By Brian Canty
Eddie Dunbar has revealed a more relaxed approach to training and racing has him in better shape than in previous years.
But that doesn’t mean the final kilometres in the Tour of Flanders yesterday were any easier.
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The 20-year old Corkman was taking a career-best result. He crossed the line with 49 seconds to spare on Jasper Philipsen after 168km.
He got away with Frenchman Alexys Brunel with 20 kilometres to go. And then he rapidly built a 50-second lead as they started the final lap of a 22-kilometre local circuit.
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On third-to-last climb of the race - the Eikenberg; the U23 Irish TT champion attacked and got away.
And though he made it look easy soloing to the finish, it was anything but.
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“I was actually cramping in the last three kilometres,” he said. “I was just hoping my legs would not lock up completely.
Eddie Dunbar taking flight in the very closing stages of the race. He said he was under pressure but he survived for a huge win.
“So I was trying not to press too hard. Once I passed two kilometres to go, I knew I was not going to be caught.
“There were so many things going through my head at the end. I was even wondering if there was maybe a guy ahead of me.”
For Dunbar, it’s the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. It is a result that follows commitment and sacrifice. But it’s beginning to bear fruit, even if his approach is more relaxed.
“I think this year is more relaxed for me,” he said of his third year in the U23 ranks.
“My training has gone better and I am more motivated this year. It is not like I was not motivated last year.
“But I have had more things to motivate me this year. So it is different.
“I am going back to the way I used to cycle. I feel better on the bike both mentally and physically.”
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