Ronan O'Connor (Global 6 United) will play no further part in the Tour of Britain after he abandoned the race today following an unfortunate crash incident.
On a wet day for racing, the 166km stage from Sheffield to Barnsley, the field split to pieces, with plenty of crashes along the way. And while most of those who came down were able to continue, young Irish rider O'Connor was not so lucky.
It appears he has suffered no broken bones in the fall about 50km into the stage but was left very badly cut up and bruised and was unable to continue on the race.
After an attack-filled day during which the Israel Premier Tech team of race leader, Stevie Williams, was put under pressure by the aggression of Soudal-QuickStep, a reduced bunch of just over 30 riders approached the finish intact.
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However, even that split on the kicker to the finish line, after a very hard day out in difficult conditions. Williams, who took the race lead after winning yesterday's stage, proved strongest again; winning for a second day to extend his race lead with a 10-second bonus.
Williams held off stage 1 winner, Paul Magnier (Soudal-Quickstep), and Edoardo Zambanini (Bahrain Victorious) on the line; that fast-finishing duo almost crashing on the line after a touch of wheels.
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Liam O'Brien (Lidl-Trek Future Racing) was best of the Irish today, finishing in 48th, some 2:34 down on Williams. Former Irish elite road race champion, Rory Townsend (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) was 58th today at 8:44 while Dean Harvey (Trinity Racing), after his breakaway efforts yesterday, was 102nd at 32:15.
The race continues tomorrow with 138.5km from Derby to Newark-on-Trent. Though the profile looks like one for the sprinters, the race is likely to split again, especially if the weather remains wet.
? South Yorkshire was the scene for a gripping day of racing where riders were tested not only by the terrain, but by the elements.
Check out the best of the day's action. ⬇️ #TourOfBritain | @LloydsBank pic.twitter.com/mtf9iQT5yj
— Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain (@TourofBritain) September 5, 2024
