By Shane Stokes
Matteo Cigala has been one of the most prominent riders in Rás Tailteann stage finishes over the years, clocking up multiple high placings. But he starts Friday’s third stage in the unusual position of sitting second overall.
The Irish-based Italian finished eight on day one and was then part of the winning break heading into Clifden, with Cigala ending the day just three seconds off yellow as a result.
“It was a good stage,” the Carlow Dan Morrissey Pissei rider told stickybottle at the finish. “To be honest. I didn’t feel the best in the first hour. Then I started to feel better after the cat one, and I got into the right move of the day.
“I guess from riding many years with the experience, it was the only attack I did, and it worked out perfectly.”
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With the rider ahead of him on GC missing the move, he found himself in an unusual position.
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“I heard I was actually leader in the race for a good while. But obviously they got back in the last few kilometers, a group of seven, and in the sprint, I just didn't have anything left. I mean, my legs were completely cramping, but yeah, happy with the performance.”
Odhrán Doogan (Cycling Ulster) was in the group that got across close to the end. He became race leader on the road, with Cigala crossing the line ninth. More importantly, he is just three seconds back overall.
He’s pleased with that, and keen to see how the rest of the race progresses.
“Last year, I think I finished eighth overall. I was often in the top 10 [of GC during Rás editions], but I don't think I ever was second overall. So I’m definitely pleased with that.”
Three stages remain and, if he keeps riding strongly, the chance is there to grab yellow. Does he consider GC to be a goal?
“To be honest, I treat every day as a single day,” he said. “I definitely would like to win a stage but if I'm up there for the overall on Sunday, I’ll definitely fight for it.”
