Seth Dunwoody (Cannibal B Victorious) and Willem O'Connor (JEGG-DJR Academy) put in strong performances in the 127km Danilith Nokere Koerse (1.1) in Belgium yesterday.
On a day when over half the 150-rider field did not survive to the finish, the two Irish riders made it all the way, with Dunwoody contesting the sprint for end place.
The race was won by 17-year-old British rider Sebastian Grindley (Fensham Howes), who managed to hold off what remained on the main field on the uphill pavé finishing straight, winning by a couple of seconds.
Xander Scheldeman (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale U19 Team) claimed the bunch sprint for 2nd place from fellow Belgian Cedric Keppens (AVIA-Rudyco Cycling Team).
Dunwoody, who has already taken 2nd place in Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne Juniors (1.1) this season, took 15th place on the day; a strong performance considering just how much the field split.
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O'Connor was involved in a high speed crash in the front group close to the finish. However, after gathering himself, and being check over, he was able to get back on his bike.
He finished in 62nd place at 3:02. That was a very solid ride at this level for the 17-year-old as almost 80 riders were pulled out of the race after falling too far behind on the circuit.
