For the third year in a row, Michael Hutchinson has conquered the Irish time trial title after he won a very close battle in Rochfortbridge. The 40-year-old beat Colm Cassidy by just 4 seconds while Martyn Irvine (UnitedHealthCare) was just 10 seconds further adrift in third.

He may be 40 years of age but Michael Hutchinson continues to dominate the Irish time trialling scene. Having taken his first TT title in 2012 and defended it 12 months ago, he added a third one to his palmares by winning today's 2014 edition of the championships.

On the 37km course in Rochfortbridge, Hutchinson was just 4 seconds faster than another amateur rider Colm Cassidy while the only professional in the race, track specialist Martyn Irvine, was 10 seconds slower in third. 2011 champion Matthre Brammeier (Synergy Baku) had to settle for fourth.

On Sunday, most of the best Irish riders will battle for the road race title and here Daniel Martin will make his return to competition after his crash at the Giro d'Italia.

Result:

1. Michael Hutchinson 44.55

2. Colm Cassidy +0.04

3. Martyn Irvine +0.14