2 days ago
Rory Townsend shocks cycling world with stunning WorldTour victory in Hamburg
The 30-year-old held off elite sprinters Arnaud De Lie, Paul Magnier and Jasper Philipsen in a thrilling finale to land one of the biggest victories of his career
IRISH road race champion Rory Townsend pulled off the ride of his life on Sunday in Germany.
His stunned some of the world's best at the WorldTour-ranked ADAC Cyclassics in Hamburg.
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Rory Townsend of Ireland and Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team celebrates at finish line as race winner during the 28th Hamburg Cyclassics
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The Irishman stormed to the biggest win of his career in the German city
The 30-year-old lit things up from the gun, forcing his way into a four-man breakaway in the opening minutes of the gruelling 207km race.
Townsend and two of his companions still clung to ten seconds with just one kilometre remaining.
The pack closed fast but Townsend launched his sprint early and held on brilliantly.
He hung on to cross the line metres clear of world-class finishers Arnaud De Lie (Lotto), Paul Magnier (Soudal QuickStep) and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck).
Speaking after the incredible triumph, the Irishman admitted it was a surreal day in his life.
He said: 'It's crazy.
'It's just pure disbelief, as you could see on my face when I crossed the line. I am still in shock.
"This is an incredibly proud moment. Winning a WorldTour race, any race in my national colours is great.'
