Sean McKenna lands one of the biggest races on the Irish road racing scene. The Holdsworth Pro Cycling man took Des Hanlon Memorial victory from the breakaway (Photo: Sean Rowe)
Sean McKenna has taken his second win of the season, proving strongest of the breakaway at the Des Hanlon Memorial in Co Carlow today.
It was the second time McKenna had won the race, after his victory in the classic back in 2016.
Today the racing, as ever, split to pieces over the very testing course.
But while a very strong breakaway came in to the finish to fight out for the honours, McKenna had too much in the tank.
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In that winning escape were James Davenport (Strata 3-VeloRevolution), Cian Sutcliffe (Gerard-DHL), Sean Lacey (Viner-Caremark-Pactimo) and Jamie Blanchfield (Panduit Carrick Wheelers).
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McKenna was the sole Continental-level rider in the escape and so the pressure was on him to deliver.
But he carried the expectation well and executed his effort perfectly at the finish.
He was pushed closely but proved too fast for Blanchfield, who got nearest to him. Rounding out the podium was Lacey.
In the women's event, victory went to Katharine Smyth (Team Madigan) after a fine solo effort.
She won ahead of Nessa Rochford (De Ronde van Cork) and Michelle Geoghegan (Jaden Weldite).
Lots more to come.
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