Bryan McCrystal was deemed too big a rider to win the Des Hanlon but that's exactly what he did in 2014. Riding for Aquablue at the time, the Dundalk man stormed into the breakaway early on and stayed there all day, dropping rider after rider en route to the finish. He said the memory of Olan Barrett roaring encouragement from the team car will stay with him for a long, long time. (Photo: Brendan Slattery)
Ciarán Power (Olympian and twice 'Hanlon' winner)
“My first Des Hanlon was in 1997. It came down to Tommy Evans, Brian Kenneally and myself.
“Myself and Brian trained together so knew each other well.
“I hopped them with 500 meters to go but Brian reacted and Tommy took advantage and took the win.
“I went back the year with only winning on my mind. It’s one of the best races of the year and always produces a worthy winner.”
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Robin Kelly (Waterford RC)
“I got dropped when we turn left up Castlecomber but I kept cycling the rest of the two laps pretty much on my own.
“I came in about 25 minutes after winner and I can’t remember who that was!”
Favourite for Sunday: Roger Aiken or Adam Armstrong (ASEA-Wheelworx)
Ian Richardson (UCD-Fitzcycles)
“I got into the early break which went from the gun with eventual winner Sean Lacey, but the distance and climbs took their toll and I was eventually dropped from the break and finished with the grupetto.” (Photo: George Doyle)
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Bryan McCrystal (ASEA-Wheelworx)
“I did my first Des Hanlon in 2011. Back then I was a budding triathlete wanting a training session - and that's what I got!
“I was murdered and it gave me huge respect for the race. I wanted to come back and race it one day. I didn't realise I'd win it in 2014 but I felt great that day.
“My favourite memory is Olan Barrett screaming out the window on the final climb while Páidí O’Brien and Ryan Sherlock closed in.
“I don't know who I was more frightened of, Olan or the lads! It’s a savage race that’ll push you to the absolute limit.
Favourite for Sunday: “It can be won by any of 10 guys, I reckon.
“Aquablue look very good along with iTap and UCD-Fitzcycles.
“The team game will count and it's all down to what team member gets in the winning selection.
“I wouldn't look past our guys; they're in great nick but guys we'll watch will be all the obvious ones.
“It’s a long time since I've seen Lacey in such good shape so he'll be dangerous if he's there or thereabouts.
“McKenna looks super and I like the look of iTap lads also, they’ve a good attitude and they’re not afraid to ride.
“You've others there as well, maybe not in the ‘big’ teams but who can be just as good and maybe the Hanlon is the right race for them because it'll come down to who has the legs.
“It'll be interesting, such a special race.”
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