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.

“I’m speechless. I really can’t describe what this means to me and my ASEA teammates. We came here today with a plan and the boys just nailed it to perfection. This is for them,” he added, pointing to his winner’s medal.

Shaw, 30, belongs on a bigger stage, of that there’s no doubt, and the guy he beat yesterday further underlined his potential as one of the sport’s most exciting talents.

Less than two months ago, Eddie Dunbar broke his collar bone in a crash at the Tour of Yorkshire but has since made a stunning recovery.

On Thursday night last he won silver in the time-trial, despite being just 18 years old and yesterday he went toe to toe with Shaw, who has been one of the real stars of Irish cycling since he took it up around five years ago.

“Eddie is a star,” said Shaw.

“I feel sorry for him in one way that I beat him today but make no mistake, he’ll have his day in front of far bigger audiences than are here today. He is a machine for an 18 year old. He really had me hurting.”

Shaw made his way into the early breakaway, with no fewer than three team mates for company.

The 13 riders in that front group were: Marc Potts (Omagh Wheelers), Ali Macaulay, Damien Shaw, Chris Reilly, Roger Aiken (all Team Asea), Eddie Dunbar (NFTO Pro Cycling), Daniel Stewart (Phoenix CC), Conor Dunne (An Post-Chainreaction), Sean Hahessy (Fitscience), Stephen Clancy (Novo Nordisk) and Mark Dowling (DID Dunboyne).

And when that move built a gap of over five minutes, it was clear some of the big favourites who missed the boat again this year were out of the running.

Eventual winner Shaw would then pull clear going out onto the final lap with Dunbar (NFTO Pro Cycling).

Once off the front they ate up the road on the last lap; two of the real powerhouses of Irish cycling building a huge lead of 2:15 over the remainder of the breakaway that split to pieces in their dust.

Clearly smarting from having been beaten for victory in the Rás three days in a row, Shaw was intent on not leaving the fight for the gold medal to a sprint up the finishing straight.

He managed to distance Dunbar just a few kilometres from the finish, with Dunbar holding on brilliantly for silver and the U23 title.

Conor Dunne of An Post Chainreaction, who was in the main escape of the day and made a brave solo bid for home with two laps remaining, took the bronze medal.

Daniel Stewart of Phoenix CC would take the silver medal in the U23 contest, with Sean Hahessy of Fitscience taking the bronze.