Ryan Mullen has come within 1.67 seconds of a bronze medal at the European U23 time-trial championships in Tartu, Estonia. The An Post Chain Reaction man put in a stunning performance and was second for long stretches, only to be nudged off the podium late on (Photo: Sirotti)
By Brian Canty
Ireland’s Ryan Mullen has come within 1.67 seconds of a bronze medal at the European U23 time-trial championships in Estonia.
The An Post Chainreaction man representing Ireland finished fourth in the 31.5-kilometre test against the clock.
"I'm happy with my performance," said Mullen afterwards.
"It's a solid start to building my fitness for the world championships."
It’s a bitter pill for the reigning national time-trial champion as he had been in second place for much of today’s event, only to be relegated out of medal contention by one of the last riders off.
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Mullen, who is 21 years old today, was the 35th rider down the ramp and by the midway point he was the fastest man on the course, though there were still 31 riders left to go.
With three kilometres remaining he slipped to second place, albeit 1.67 seconds behind the then fastest on the road, Max Schachmann of Germany.
Mullen’s time of 38:50:20 was a great effort and by the time 40 of the 66 riders crossed the line he still stood in second place.
One by one they crossed the line yet Mullen remained second until Marlen Zmorka of Ukraine stopped the clock at 38:36 – 14 seconds faster than Mullen to nudge the Irishman into bronze.
It was touch and go with five riders still on the course but when Dutchman Steven Lammertink went 38:32, Mullen’s fate was sealed and he would finish fourth.
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It was an impressive ride by the joint senior and U23 national TT champion, though off his best considering he won silver in the U23 TT at the World Road Championships last year where the competition is much better.
He has medalled at major championships a number of times, winning silver at the European Championships in the junior time trial four years ago.
He also took two bronze medals at the U23 European Track Championships two years ago and would have been hoping for a medal, perhaps gold, from today's race.
However, one man who will be happy with his ride is Eddie Dunbar.
He forced his way into the top 10 today and underlined his terrific form ahead of the U23 road race on Sunday.
First-year U23 Dunbar finished ninth today, in what was a remarkable ride for a man who is not a time trial specialist.
The NFTO rider absolutely scorched out of the traps and carried on that way down the course.
He was fifth of 54 riders through the first split at 3.8k and eighth fastest around the midway point.
He improved to sixth at the 24-kilometre mark and by the time he crossed the line he had risen to fourth in 39:26:84.
He would slip down the standings as the last riders came in but it was still a great ride from the Corkman who will be one of Ireland’s protected riders in Sunday’s road race.
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