Italy's Lorenzo Mark Finn took the stage win into Subiaco-Monte Livata and also the race lead, and immediately dedicated the victory to Shane O'Brien (Photo: Massimo Paolone)
Lorenzo Finn (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe Rookies), the reigning U23 road race world champion, has won the hardest stage of Giro d'Italia Next Gen and taken the race leader's maglia rosa, dedicating his victory to Shane O'Brien.
Shane, a 16-year-old from Co Cork, was tragically killed when out training on his bike near Lismore in Co Waterford on Tuesday.
He had started his racing with Fermoy CC but had secured a place with British team CAMS Majaco for this year, his first season as a junior, and was making rapid progress on the bike.
He had made his debut for Ireland last month at Course de la Paix Juniors, the UCI Junior Nations Cup stage race in the Czech Republic.
Shane's brother, and fellow international, Liam O'Brien (Lidl Trek Future Racing), had started Giro Next Gen last Sunday as one of the favourites. But he left the race after stage 3 when his young brother so sadly lost his life.
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Shane, leading, at the recent Course de la Paix Juniors in Czech Republic. His heartbreaking passing has been felt across the cycling community at home and abroad
Tributes have been paid to young Shane from across Irish cycling, and further afield, in recent days. And now U23 world champion, and former junior world champion, Finn has joined in paying tribute to him.
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Having won the 155km stage 6 into Monte Livata today, Friday, finishing almost one minute clear of his nearest rival, Finn spoke of Shane.
He said news of Shane's death and Liam's departure from the race in such heartbreaking circumstances had been felt by all of the riders.
"Wearing the maglia rosa is an important recognition, and I dedicate this victory to Shane O'Brian, Liam's brother, who passed away a few days ago," Italian rider Finn said.
"I didn't know him well, but it was a tragedy that affected us deeply. Now the goal is to wear this jersey to the end."
He also spoke of how hard he had worked towards being at his best in this race and how happy he was to perform in front of the home crowd on a day of major pressure.
"This is a very important victory, because it comes after weeks of sacrifice. I have to thank the team, because after my crash at the Tour of the Alps they supported me, aiding my recovery and helping me get back to full fitness quickly," he said.
Gardaí are continuing to investigation Shane's death, which involved a parked lorry, on Tuesday morning and are appealing for information.
"Road users who may have camera footage - including dash-cam - and were travelling on the N72 between Lismore and Cappoquin this morning between 10.30am and 11.15am are asked to make this available to investigating gardaí," gardaí said.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dungarvan Garda station on (058) 48600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Investigations are ongoing.
