Ryan Mullen - centre of picture in red helmet and green jersey - on his way to bronze in last evening's scratch race at the European Track Championships in Portugal.
Ryan Mullen last night rounded off a fantastic showing at the European Track Championships by winning his second bronze medal of the meeting, in the U23 scratch race.
The IG Sigma Sport professional, riding in Portugal this week for the Irish national team, had already taken a bronze in the 4km individual pursuit on Tuesday and was 7th in the points race on Thursday.
After qualifying for the scratch race final by finishing 7th in his heat earlier in the day yesterday, Mullen eventually finished in 3rd place in last evening’s final after attacking hard in the closing laps of the 15km bunch race and splitting the field to pieces by forcing what was to prove the decisive move of the race.
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The title went to Anton Muzychkin from Belarus, with France’s Bryan Coquard taking the silver.
The high standard in the race was reflected by the fact Coquard took silver in the omnium at the London Olympics, has since signed for Pro Continental team Europcar and has taken a number of wins in his maiden season on the road with them including two stages in the Étoile de Bessèges.
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Like Mullen, the champion Muzychkin is a first year senior. But unlike the Irishman, he is something of a track specialist, having won the junior world title in the scratch race last season.
Cycling Ireland head coach Brian Nugent, who is with the two-man Irish team in Anadia this week, said Mullen had done very well in the scratch race especially since he had no team mates in such a tactical event.
“There were seven teams with two riders; we knew we had to have a good plan, as Ryan was on his own. The plan was to stay in control until the last ten laps, and then look for the right time to go.”
“Just after six laps to go Ryan created his opportunity, taking everyone by surprise with his massive attack. The two Belarusians came across to him; Ramanau set it up perfectly for Muzychkin to attack Ryan with two laps to go.”
“Ryan couldn’t quite get on his wheel, but held on to the line. Coquard came out of the bunch and just pipped him at the finish. It was a blistering all in attack by Ryan, and he fully committed to the line. It was phenomenal ride.”
Eoin Mullen, the only other rider in the Irish team, is in keirin action at the championships tomorrow, Sunday. He has already been in action at these championships, getting to the last 16 of the sprint but going out of the competition at that stage.
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