Liam O'Brien has managed yet another podium finish at the Junior Tour of Ireland following on from his major win in the opening stage, Liam has placed 3rd in stage 2. This result guarantees O'Brien's right to another stage in the leader's jersey, while also earning him the green jersey.
After O'Brien bested Charles Bergerson in a sprint finish in yesterday's stage, Ignite Canada's Hudson Lubbers avenged his teammate's 2nd place by taking the honours in another successful breakaway group attempt.
With 20km to go, an already split peloton was diminished once more as 12 riders, including the race leader Liam O'Brien, broke from the main group in a move which initially appeared harmless as their lead fluctuated between 8-12 seconds for the first few kilometres.
However, their lead shot up by 15km to go with a healthy lead of 35 seconds. The trailing pack struggled to bridge the gap to the ambitious dozen as the lead stood firm going into the final 5km, largely thanks to the efforts of O'Brien at the front of the group.
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Another breakaway sprint ensued as Lubbers broke the white line first, closely followed by Matthew Gilmour of Bäckstedt Bike Performance JRT and Liam O'Brien respectively.
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Joseph Mullen of Team Leinster along with Darragh Magee of Tarrant Skoda were the first to get out in front as they opened up a 1 minute lead with 70km to go, not too long after the duo were joined by Team Ireland's Killian O'Brien. The group's efforts were squandered as they rejoined the bunch with 50km in the legs.
Considering that this stage saw the youngsters take on the Cliffs of Moher, gaps were to be expected, and gaps certainly presented themselves. Despite the challenging terrain however, a 70-man strong peloton remained with just 30km to go.
The riders endured 103km along the most western points of Clare, beginning in Spanish Point, passing over the Cliffs of Moher and before then heading towards Ennis via Lahinch.
Charles Bergeron of Ignite Canada has bagged the Wicklow 200 KOH Jersey following today's stage, a name that seems as if it will remain present throughout the tour after two impressive outings for his North American team.
Another stage, another encouraging day for the home cyclists as Liam O'Brien will carry the yellow jersey on his back into the third day of the tour. The race will now turn it's attention to a start in Ennis where the riders will head towards the sea again in Kilkee.
Bring on stage 3.
