Flier Mullen the fancy for cycling TT

Ryan Mullen is the hottest of favourites for the Elite national time-trial championships that take place in Wexford today — though defending champion Nicolas Roche will pose a huge threat.

Mullen, one of the world’s most talked about riders against the clock, is coming off the back of a strong showing at the Tour de Suisse and if he has recovered from that week-long race he should win on the 34km course with something to spare.

He was third last year behind Eddie Dunbar and Roche but was hampered by injuries picked up at the ZLM Tour. His preparation this time around has been really good, in comparison. Roche was irresistible in 2016 when he won the title and will still pose a big threat, but Mullen will take some stopping.