21 year-old Eddie Dunbar is amongst the shortlist of seven athletes who have been nominated for the Irish Independent Young Sportstar of the Year award.
Dunbar enjoyed his most successful season to date, the highlight of which was his win in the Ronde van Vlaanderen Beloften (U23 Tour of Flanders) where he attacked alone to solo to victory.
In addition, he also finished 5th overall at the Volta ao Alentejo (2.1), 2nd overall at Le Triptyque des Monts et Chateaux (2.2) where he just missed out on a win in the time-trial stage and 3rd at the Trofeo Città di S. Vendemiano – 57th GP Industria & Commercio (1.2U).
Dunbar subsequently signed a contract with Aqua Blue Sport for next season. Speaking after signing his new contract Eddie said: “It is a dream come true to ride for an Irish professional team – it is great that I am going to have a chance to be part of this project. I have spent three years at Continental level and I now feel that the time is right to go up a level.
“The programme that Aqua Blue Sport offers, the big classics, stage races and the chance of a Grand Tour, all made my decision very easy. The team offers a dedicated performance staff and this makes for a great environment. I think, with this in mind, I can continue to make progress.”
The full list of nominees for the Irish Independent Young Sportstar of the Year are as follows:
– David Clifford – GAA
– Eddie Dunbar – Cycling
– Gina Akpe-Moses – Athletics
– Mona McSharry – Swimming
– Saoirse Noonan – Soccer
– Con O’Callaghan – GAA
– Conor Whelan – GAA
