Over a hundred riders turned out for the start of the Elite Men’s
Photo ©: Stephen McMahon
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The first significant break of the day formed after less than 10 kilometres
Photo ©: Stephen McMahon
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Cautious of the headwind, the main group makes its way
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To chase or not to chase, that is the question:
Photo ©: Stephen McMahon
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With riders from several of the major teams in the leading break
Photo ©: Stephen McMahon
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Philip Deignan (AG2R La Mondiale), Andrew Roche (Pinarello Racing Team)
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Nicholas Roche (Crédit Agricole) was one of a number
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Ciaran Power (Pezula Racing Team) setting the pace
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Martyn Irvine (Pezula Racing Team) leads
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2008 National TT Champion Paul Healion (South Dublin)
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Stephen O’Sullivan (MyHome.ie) takes his turn
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Defending U-23 Champion Mark Cassidy (An Post - M. Donnelly - Grant Thornton - Sean Kelly Team)
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With the time gap beginning to come down, Derek Burke attacked
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The leading riders have begun to realise that their efforts
Photo ©: Stephen McMahon
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The back section of the course including a long, twisting descent.
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Nicholas Roche (Crédit Agricole) takes a moment to determine
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A dejected Philip Deignan (AG2R La Mondiale) withdrew
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Three riders have gone clear: Paidi O’Brien
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Despite the hot, humid conditions and having been involved
Photo ©: Stephen McMahon
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2007 National Road Race Champion David O’Loughlin (Pezula Racing Team)
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O’Loughlin suffered cramps and almost ground to a halt
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The second group on the road consisted of
Photo ©: Stephen McMahon
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The leading trio making their way up through a forested
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Brian Kenneally (MyHome.ie) concentrates on the task
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Paidi O’Brien (An Post - M. Donnelly - Grant Thornton - Sean Kelly Team)
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Daniel Martin (Garmin Chipotle) sets the pace
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Brian Kenneally (MyHome.ie) raises the tempo on the descent
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Without as much as a backward glance Daniel Martin (Germin Chipotle)
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O’Brien gets back on terms only to watch as Martin
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Having disposed of his breakaway companions, Daniel Martin (Garmin Chipotle)
Photo ©: Stephen McMahon
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The descent from the main climb was short and sharp
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The final lap became a time trail
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Brian Kenneally (MyHome.ie) and Paidi O’Brien (An Post - M. Donnelly - Grant Thornton - Sean Kelly Team)
Photo ©: Stephen McMahon
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It was an extraordinary sight to behold. Martin seemed to be riding
Photo ©: Stephen McMahon
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His ride bore testament to his pure class, dogged determination
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Daniel Martin (Garmin Chipotle): Irish National Champion for 2008.
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Paidi O’Brien (An Post - M. Donnelly - Grant Thornton - Sean Kelly Team)
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Daniel Martin tries on his new jersey.
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The newly crowned champion celebrates with the crowd.
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All going well, the lucky shamrocks of Martin’s Irish Champion jersey
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Martin took victory in both the U-23 and Elite Men categories.
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The part of the presentation ceremony that riders love
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Elite Men’s podium: Paidi O’Brien (An Post - M. Donnelly - Grant Thornton - Sean Kelly Team),
Photo ©: Stephen McMahon
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The winner’s mount: Daniel Martin’s Felt.
Photo ©: Stephen McMahon
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