Triumphant return as Martin seals national title

JUST a week after winning the coveted Route du Sud in the Pyrenees, Daniel Martin returned to Ireland to claim the shamrock jersey of the national champion with another power-packed display on the Ballinacurra circuit, near Midleton, yesterday.

The national championships are noted for sensations and yesterday was no exception with the pre-race favourite, Nicolas Roche, son of Stephen and first cousin of the winner, having to settle for fourth place while defending champion, David O’Loughlin, was forced to abandon after cramping on the climb at Saleen with three laps of the 10-mile circuit remaining and another of the favourites Mark Cassidy (An Post/Sean Kelly) also abandoning.

In the end Martin, son of former professional Neil Martin and Maria Roche — sister of Stephen Roche — rode up the incline to the finish in Ballinacurra on his own, over three minutes ahead of the next riders.