Speechless Damien Shaw finally gets reward after close calls in Rás

Damien Shaw was the toast of Irish cycling this weekend after he was crowned national elite road race champion for the very first time, beating many of the the country’s best amateur and professional riders on a memorable afternoon in Omagh.

The Mullingar-based fireman, who was left disconsolate after coming so close to stage victory on three consecutive days at the An Post Rás last month made up for that yesterday.

In doing so he adds his name to a roll of honour that’s been dominated by full-time professional riders, and after emerging from a swarm of fans, an emotional Shaw said; “This is just absolutely incredible.