SINI Athlete and Commonwealth Games Mallist Martyn Irvine became the first Irish winner of a stage in this year’s An Post Rás, after claiming the stage seven victory in Kildare Town.
Early on in the race, the Asia Giant Kenda rider, along with seven others forged ahead, building up a lead of over four minutes by the half-way stage of the 161km route. However, the peloton ramped up the pace in the second half, reducing the gap to just one minute 28 seconds by the time the time the leaders reached the final category one climb.
With just 10km left, that lead had been reduced further, to just 56 seconds – making for a hugely competitive finish.
However, Irvine’s steely determination saw him push on, making a move with Kohei Uchima and Casey Munro, and with just 10km left to go, the trio had established a lead of just under one minute. But an inspired Irvine attacked the final 5km with a decisive break which saw him clinch a six-second victory from his close rivals.
Commenting on his victory afterwards, Martyn said:
“Something told me it was my day today. I didn’t get [too] excited, I just used my head and it worked out well.”
Martyn dedicated his win to the late Paul Healion, took a stage in the race in 2009.
“I was good buddies with Paul Healion. It was an inspiration knowing him, he was a great bike rider and I'm delighted to do what he did as well.”
