Ryan Reilly stuns elites to take Ulster Road Champs but only gets junior title

Derry based junior Ryan Reilly (leading) stormed to a fine solo victory at the Ulster Championships yesterday (Photo: Toby Watson)

By Gerard Cromwell

Junior rider Ryan Reilly stunned his more experienced counterparts to solo to victory in the Ulster Cycling Championships in Donegal yesterday.

Along with Conor Murphy (Caldwell Cycles Omagh) and Ali Macauley (Phoenix CC), Derry youngster Reilly made his way across to lone leader Ronan McLaughlin (Dig Deep) on the final of four 31km laps before attacking the group with 2km remaining and soloing to a fantastic victory in Clonmany.

Because of the controversial race rules governing categories, however, the 18-year-old Foyle rider, due to ride with French club Hennebonte Cyclisme in the summer, was only crowned Ulster junior champion while Murphy took the senior title.