Matt Brammeier yesterday became the first Irish rider to win three national road race titles in-a-row when he soloed clear of a three man breakaway in the final 2km to retain his shamrock jersey of Irish champion in Clonmel.

Matthew Brammeier’s appeal to be included for selection in the three-man Ireland Olympic road race team has been unsuccessful.

The sinuous, switchback-laden ascent of Glengesh Pass was always destined to play a big role in this year’s An Post Rás, and by the time the riders reached the base of the climb after 100km of racing on yesterday’s stage six, it was beginning to look like there would be a new man in yellow by the finish in Killybegs yesterday.