Ian Richardson, centre, takes his place on the podium wearing the blue jersey as leader of the county rider classification after a tough Rás stage into Dingle (Photo: Morgan Treacy - Inpho)
With the Rás having crested the cat 1 ascent of Conor Pass on Tuesday's stage 3 from Charleville to Dingle, we got a look at who the strong climbers in the race area.
And while last year's county man of the race Ian Richardson is a big powerhouse not built for climbing, he very nearly got over the climb in the lead group today.
And while he faltered a little near the top of the ascent, he still came home in the second group on the road, 1:22 behind stage winner James Gullen of the British Pedal Heaven team.
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For his efforts Richardson moved into the lead in the county rider classification, which he won last year after a huge Rás ride for the whole eight days.
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He was also 10th overall last year and when we caught up with him at the finish today he said he was aiming for a top 10 placing again this time around.
He is now 22nd, some 1:30 off new race leader Clemens Fankhauser of the Austria Tirol Cycling Team. And but for his time loss today he would be 7th.
He believes he can now use his seated power to get over the rest of the climbs in the race.
He spoke to Shane Stokes in Dingle:
Ian Richardson on his mixed feelings in Dingle
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