James Curry (Banbridge CC) has taken control of Rás Dun na nGall after today's third stage but is just 16 seconds clear of stage winner Kevin McKinney (Velo Cafe Magasin).
By Brian Canty
Adam Stenson has lost the yellow jersey at Rás Dun na nGall this afternoon and will have his work cut out to get it back on tomorrow’s final stage.
The Bikeworx Celbridge man won the opening two stages and had one second of an advantage going into this afternoon’s third stage but on the 96-kilometre journey he conceded big time on a four-man breakaway that featured new race leader James Curry (Cycle Sierra Nevada).
Kevin McKinney (Velo Cafe Magasin) took the stage in a two-up sprint with Curry with Colm McGarvey (EPic MTB/Expert Cycles) and Geoffrey Robinson (Bray Wheelers) third and fourth, respectively, just a few seconds back.
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Curry started today's third stage just one second behind Stenson after being beaten by that margin in the time-trial this morning.
But Stenson was 1'55" behind this afternoon so drops to sixth overall.
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It’s no disaster for him as he can now attack from behind as opposed to defending from the front on tomorrow’s concluding stage.
And few would bet against him winning on Glengesh tomorrow.
He is part of a small team with just Patrick Goszczyk and Shane Farrell for support and though they battled manfully to retain yellow today it was always going to be difficult, and indeed a bridge too far.
The final stage, which rolls out at midday tomorrow, is by far the most difficult as the riders race from Ardara through Ardaghey, Frosses, Glenties, Clooney and Ardara again before finishing on the famous Glengesh Pass.
The final climb is savage meaning only the very strongest will prevail on both the stage and in the general standings when the race is run.
Some might argue that it is down to just the four who escaped in the decisive break today but there could well be a twist yet, but for Stenson to take back the jersey it will take something truly special.
For Rás Dhun na nGall stage 3 result and general classification please follow this link.
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