Three in-a-row for Brammeier

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.

Liverpool-born Brammeier once again proved too canny for the rest of the peloton as he followed move after move until he found himself with just Tour de France-bound Nicolas Roche (Ag2r), London bound track rider Martyn Irvine (RTS Racing) and young Dubliner Philip Lavery (Node4 Giordana) with 40 of the 167km race to go.

“It’s been the same the last couple of years,” said Brammeier of his victory. “You have to follow everything and hope you can survive to the last lap. If you don’t go with every break then you’re in a position where you have to chase all day and that’s not good.”