Ryan Mullen took a stunning second in Hollands most prestigious criterium the Acht van Chaam on Wednesday.
The Acht van Chaam traditionally takes place on the Wednesday after the Tour de France. Last years winner of the senior race was Johnny Hoogeland and 2nd was Frank Schleck. The junior race is no less competitive with members of the Dutch Rabobank Junior squad locking wheels with riders from Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Ireland and Australia.
The event went like a dream for Mullen, who after missing the initial break proceeded to ride across and subsequently drop one of the duo who made the initial gap. Ryan then proceeded to ride the next 13 of 14 laps of the circuit with his Australian counterpart only to be pipped with 300 to go in the sprint.
This was a fantastic result for Ryan who is on the continent in preparation for the European Junior championship where he will represent Ireland in both the TT and Road Race. With such form going into the TT, allied to his 15th position in the event last year Mullen looks set for a strong finish to the TT season.
We will have more news on Ryans exploits in the build up to the championship as it happens here on Planet X Ireland