Ben Healy, 22, emulated the great Stephen Roche from 1982 and became just the third Irish rider in history to claim a podium finish by finishing second in the Amstel Gold Race on Sunday.
The result follows several electrifying performances this season, and Sunday's performance served as further evidence that the EF Education-EasyPost rider has attained the pinnacle of the sport.
After eliminating a number of sports greats, including Olympic Champion and British phenomenon Tom Pidcock in the final 10 kilometers.
Healy was only 40 seconds behind world number one and two-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar. (UAE Team Emirates)
“I knew I had good legs, and I knew I had to ride a smart race as well to finish second today,” Healy said after the race.
“That’s what I did, and it paid off for me in the end.
“I was quietly confident. I rode a very aggressive race at Brabantse and I knew with a few bigger names here I would get the luxury of maybe missing few turns, which is what I did. It played to my advantage in the end.”
READ NEXT:
Ireland striker Evan Ferguson limps off for Brighton in Chelsea clash
Davy Russell lands his second Grade 1 of the week as Irish Point wins at Aintree
Rhys McClenaghan wins gold for Ireland in pommel horse at European Gymnastic Championships
Paul McGrath thanks President Michael D Higgins after meeting US President Joe Biden
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
