Irish Riders Secure Top Ten Finishes on Day Two of World Championships

Seth Dunwoody lands an excellent fifth place finish in the Men's Junior Individual Time Trial

Photo: SW Pix 


Seth Dunwoody and Conor Murphy were first to take to the Zurich roads this morning in the Men’s Junior Individual Time Trial. 


Both riders have gained valuable experience this season competing at Junior Nations Cup events. A strong performance from both riders saw them finish inside the top ten. Dunwoody finished in fifth place, in a time of 28:32.37. 


Murphy stopped the clock in 28:50.73 to finish tenth. Both Irish riders were within 45 seconds of Paul Seixas for France who won Gold. 66 competitors took to the 24.9km route.


Speaking to Cycling Ireland Dunwoody reflected on the time trial: 

“So today’s time trial was my main goal of the season. It’s a time trial that has been on the forefront of my mind for this past six-seven months due to how well the course suited me as well as my passion and love for the discipline. 

“I managed to squeeze everything out of my legs today. Although not as much as I had expected but I can still be proud of this result. It’s my first major time trial championship and I hope to be at many more up fighting for medals.”


Darren Rafferty finished sixth in the Men's Under 23 Individual Time Trial

Photo: SW Pix 


In the afternoon it was the turn of brothers Darren and Adam Rafferty. They were in action in the Men's Under 23 Individual Time Trial. They faced tough competition with 70 starters in the time trial. It was a technical 29.9km route giving the riders plenty to do. 


Darren Rafferty came home in sixth place in a time of 37:44.22. Age 21, Rafferty, who is racing at World Tour Level with EF Education – Easy Post, recently completed the Vuelta and is a rider who is going from strength to strength on the world stage. 


His younger brother Adam, 18, finished in tenth place, in 38:00.37. This result comes on the back of him winning the Men’s Under 23 Individual Time Trial Irish National Championship in June. 


Darren and Adam are not the only members of the Rafferty family competing at the World Championships, tomorrow will see their younger sister Aliyah race in the Women’s Junior Individual Time Trial alongside Lucy Bénézet Minns.