Rising star Ryan Mullen defends title at national championships

Ryan Mullen is the big favourite to land back-to-back U23 time-trial titles tonight as this year’s national championships get underway in Omagh, Co. Tyrone.

The 20-year-old An Post Chainreaction rider was quickest in the decider 12 months ago - and even went quicker than the fastest elite rider in Michael Hutchinson, but since he’s registered as an U23, he only received one medal.

That’s the same scenario this time around but what’s interesting is that Hutchinson will not be riding, meaning that particular event is up for grabs.