Eddie Dunbar turns the screw to leave Limerick field in his wake after 90km solo escape

Eddie Dunbar has begun his 2014 campaign where he left off last year; getting up the road and winning strongly (Photo: www.blackumbrella.ie)

Known for his strong and fearless breakaways that last year secured him a lot of impressive wins, second year junior Eddie Dunbar was at it again in Limerick today, spending around 90km on his own to take victory in the Broadford Road Race.

With the main event open to A1, A2 and A3 riders, the latter were given a two minute handicap on the A1-A2 scratch men. And with a tough climb each lap and just over 100km to negotiate it looked like it would all come together.

However, Dunbar clearly had not read the script and last year's Junior Tour of Ireland winner took flight and was leading alone even before the two groups merged inside the opening 15km.

The O'Leary Stone-Kanturk man continued to tap out a great pace up front on what was a blowy and cold day and actually increased his margin on those behind over the two minute handicap he was given at the start.

A chase group formed behind featuring national criterium champion Paidi O'Brien (Osbourne Meats-The Edge), Chris Duken (Nenagh CC) and Dunbar's team mate Dylan O'Brien.

And while Dylan O'Brien was playing the dutiful team mate and sitting on the other two as they tried to close down the leader, he would blow and lose his place in the chase group.