Four Irish riders from An Post Chain Reaction Sean Kelly team will be in action at the National Cycling Championships in Mullingar, Westmeath over the coming days. Conor Dunne (U23), Jack Wilson (U23), Ryan Mullen (U23) and Sean Downey will all line out for the road race on Sunday (29th June), with Mullen also due to defend his U23 Time Trial title this evening (Thursday 26th June).
Matt Brammier will bid to claim an astonishing fifth consecutive road race title but will face some fierce competition from a top class field including former An Post rider Sam Bennett, who is in scintillating form and has excelled since his move to the pro ranks.
Wilson will start Sunday’s race as the U23 champion but is all too aware that his team mates, Mullen and Dunne, will be eager to snatch that title from him.
“It was a great feeling winning the U23 title last year and I’m determined to keep hold of it. It was a very close race. I remember Conor right there with me in third place as I crossed the line so it won’t be an easy task defending it this time around. The field is really strong as well but I’m feeling good and I’m raring to go.”
Elsewhere, Owain Doull will look to go one better this year and claim the U23 British road race title on Sunday in Monmouthshire, Wales. The twenty one year-old, who hails from Cardiff, finished in second place last year but will have the home crowd behind him when he lines out alongside his An Post team mates Kieran Frend and Mark McNally.
An Post riders in the Irish National Championships this weekend
Ireland:
- Conor Dunne (Road U23)
- Sean Downey (Road)
- Ryan Mullen (TT and Road U23)
- Jack Wilson (Road U23)
UK:
- Kieran Frend (Road)
- Mark McNally (Road)
- Owain Doull (TT and Road U23)