Ryan Mullen defends Irish elite men’s title in time trial ahead of Peden and Rafferty

This year’s course was 5km longer than the prior year in Kilbeggan, which turned into a close six-second decision between Mullen and Peden. For 2026, the course went out-and-back through Carracastle, with just one 2% uphill across 6.4km at the mid-point and then more rolling terrain in the final 7.7km back toward Swinford.

Latest Videos From

The NSN rider left no doubts about his title defense this time by winning with a 47-second margin. Rafferty repeated in third, 1:15 back, and held Conn McDunphy (APS Pro Cycling by Team Cadence Cyclery), a former winner, to fourth position by one second.

Both Mullen and Rafferty came into the event off the back of 21 days at the Giro d’Italia, while Peden has had success in one-day races with his domestic team.

You may like