MARTIN TAKES SOLO TRIUMPH IN IRISH NATIONALS

Dan Martin could not have been more delighted with his solo victory in the Irish Nationals on Sunday - just a week after winning the Route du Sud.

The Garmin-Chipotle rider won by over three minutes after attacking 25 kilometres from the line - a superb performance in anybody?s book, but even more remarkable for a 21-year-old professional.

?It?s awesome.? Martin - whose ride also netted him the under-23 title - told Cycling Weekly on Sunday evening. ?Everybody was looking out for me at the start so it was nice to be able to still get the win.

I?m in great shape after the Route du Sud, it was one of those days when you seem to just float on the pedals.?

Clearly in flying form, Martin got in an early move that lasted for over 50 kilometres then bridged across to the break of the day with two other riders, Paidi O?Brian (An Post) and Brian Kenneally (MyHome.ie). He then took off on the Saleen climb to solo to the finish.

?There were three opportunities on the circuit to attack and this one was the best. When I got to the top of the climb I had about 20 seconds so I just kept going.

A bit of a cross-wind made it easier to open a gap, and I wanted to make sure I was going to finish on my own.?

Martin?s one regret about the Route du Sud was that he did not win any individual stages, meaning he could not cross the line with his arms in the air. On Sunday, he put that right with a vengeance.

?I really slowed for the last 300 metres.? he said with a grin. ?I was going at 15 kilometres an hour, and really milking the applause.?