Ben Walsh and Ciara Doogan storm to Irish junior TT titles

Ben Walsh (NRPT) during the performance of his life on his home roads today, winning the gold medal at the national junior time-trial championships in Cong, Co Mayo. Ciara Doogan (UCD) won the women's title.

By Brian Canty

Ben Walsh is the new national junior time-trial champion after winning tonight’s title race in Cong, Co. Mayo.

The NRPT-Magnet.ie man clocked 32:08 for the 24-kilometre course, edging runner-up Xeno Young by just two seconds with Luke Smith (NRPT) rounding out the podium in third after finishing 19 seconds further back (32:39).

Ronan Tuomey (Cork Giant) was fourth, 15 seconds further back while bronze medallist from 2015 Cathal Purcell (Panduit Carrick Wheelers) stopped the clock at 33:16 and Conor McCann (ASEA-Wheelworx) did a fine 33:23.

It's no surprise Walsh took the gold medal as he has been one of the standout riders on the junior scene this year.

He rode a brilliant Scott Junior Tour of Ireland, finishing third overall.

It was a superb ride too from track international Xeno Young.

The Co. Down man finished fourth in the men’s Individual Pursuit at the UEC Track Juniors and U23 European Championships in Italy last month while also being part of the national team who set a junior record.

And amazingly, the top four are all underage again next year.

Similarly, Ciara Doogan (UCD-Fitzcycles.ie) stormed to a 37-second win over Emily Birchall (NRPT) in the women's race with Orla Harrison rounding out the podium.

Doogan also impressed at the women’s Individual Pursuit at the Euros in June, finishing with a sixth place.

Full results to follow...