Ryan Mullen has won the elite men's National TT Champs from last year's winner Nicolas Roche (Photo: Toby Watson)
Ryan Mullen National TT Champs victory
Forced to settle for bronze last year, Ryan Mullen has taken gold this evening at the National TT Championships in Co Wexford.
The Cannondale-Drapac man claimed victory ahead of last year's champion Nicolas Roche (BMC Racing).
Mullen clocked a time of 40:48 over the 34km course in Johnstown on a beautiful evening for racing in the south east.
That was 15 seconds ahead of Roche, in what was a tight battle for gold and silver.
And with what initially appeared like the result of his career, Irish amateur rider Ian Richardson (UCD-FitzCycles) finished in the bronze medal position.
He put in a time of 42:50, some 27 seconds ahead of his nearest challenger, Marcus Christie (SBR Performance).
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Social media was abuzz with comments from people congratulating him on winning a medal in a field with pro riders.
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However, Richardson was then judged to have taken a roundabout at the turn the wrong way; thus shortening his route slightly.
And when the commissaires considered the infringement he was disqualified and the bronze went to Christie instead.
Mullen was regaining the TT crown he won two years ago when he lifted both the elite and U23 titles in Omagh.
Michael O'Loughlin (Team Wiggins) was 4th this evening and that was enough to land him the U23 Irish title.
He claimed that from the rising Conn McDunphy; celebrating his move to Raleigh GAC in the UK with the silver medal.
And completing the U23 podium was Eddie Dunbar; finishing 7th in the combined elite and U23 field having been 2nd to Roche 12 months ago.
The Axeon Hagens Berman man is perhaps still under the weather after crashing out of the Baby Giro a little over a week ago.
More to follow.
Elite Men’s TT
- Ryan Mullen (Cannondale Drapac) 40:48
- Nicolas Roche (BMC Racing) 41:03
- Marcus Christie (SBR Performance) 43:17
- Michael O’Loughlin (Team Wiggins) 43:18
- Conn McDunphy (Raleigh GAC) 44:17
- Bryan McCrystal (Strata 3-VeloRevolution) 44:59
- Eddie Dunbar (Axeon Hagens Berman) 45:23
- Sean Featherstone (Newry Wheelers) 46:09
- Cian Delaney (Stamullen RC) 46:10
- Ian Richardson (UCD-FitzCycles.ie) recorded 42:50 for third fastest time on the night. However, he was disqualified after the event.
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