Two defining moments settled yesterday's under-23 championships. Firstly, an early breakaway consigned highly-tipped Mark Scanlon to a supporting role, his crucial pre-race warm-up made impossible by car problems on the way to Newry.

Secondly, a decisive lone attack by David O'Loughlin with seven miles remaining proved too much for his break-away companions. Crossing the line over a minute clear, the performance served to illustrate just why O'Loughlin is seen as one of the brightest prospects for Irish cycling.

Of the current batch of young riders, only new professional-signing Scanlon is rated higher than O'Loughlin, but he was left stranded just miles into the opening lap. O'Loughlin, Paul Healion, Shane Prendergast, John Bann-Lavery, Brian Ahern and Barry Mullin surged clear to open a sizeable lead, but despite their best efforts neither Scanlon nor any other rider could close the gap.

Both the women's and veteran's titles went down to the cut and thrust of a sprint. In the former event, three-times national champion Susan O'Mara jumped for the line slightly earlier than she wished, and was passed by French-based Geraldine Gill with metres to go. Lorraine Manning held off Michelle Crinnion for bronze. In a similar finish in the over 40s race, Norman Campbell proved faster than Con Shortt and Paddy Power in the dash for the flag.