Ben Healy to lead Ireland’s Olympic road team, Megan Armitage also picked for Paris

Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost) is currently riding out of his skin at the Tour de France for his trade team and he will be in action for Ireland, again in France, next month as he has been confirmed to lead the Irish team for the Olympic men’s road race.

Confirming the full Irish road team on Friday morning, it has also been announced that Megan Armitage (EF Education-Cannondale) has been selected for the sole slot available to the Irish women at the Olympics.

Those to miss out on selection in the two-man men’s team include Eddie Dunbar (Team Jayco AlUla) and Sam Bennett (Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale), though the latter’s characteristics were perhaps never suited to the classics-style course at the Olympics.

Also picked is Ryan Mullen, the tried and trusted powerhouse on the road for Bora-hansgrohe. He will work for Healy in the road race.

And Mullen’s inclusion means all three riders selected for Ireland will be competing in their first OIympic Games, a huge for them and a massive vote of confidence.

As well as having two slots in the men’s road race, the Irish men also have one slot in the Olympic TT and that will go to former national champion Mullen.

More to come.