By Dara Smith-Naughton
The Irish are in cruise-control on the Junior Tour as Oisin Ferrity has picked up Team Ireland's 2nd win in just 3 days. The win adds to the team's tally that was opened by Liam O'Brien on the opening day.
Today's race saw the riders leave Ennis for Kilrush before returning to the Clare coast. Few could blame any of the cyclists for experiencing heavy legs following yesterday's trip through the Cliffs of Moher, however, this wasn't the case for the eventual winner, "The legs were feeling very good coming into today", Oisin told StickyBottle.
A triumph which is nothing short of what the young man deserves after Oisin settled for a 3rd place finish in the 1st stage. Ferrity admitted after today's victory however, "It feels a lot nicer to be on top!". This result boosts Oisin up 5 places in the General Classification into 9th place, 37 seconds behind O'Brien.
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Ferrity ensured it was still too soon to be looking at any strategies past tomorrow's stage as the GC standings are too tight, "It's too early to say still, Liam only has 6 seconds in the GC at the moment".
A blistering pace was set from the off as the riders blazed through 44km of road within the first hour of racing, despite the 3 categorised climbs awaiting the pack. A day littered with attacks and breakaway attempts, the peloton inevitably joined lone rider Ahron Dick (Team Scotland) with just over 10km to go to guarantee a fast finish, with Ferrity proving himself as the strongest.
Liam O'Brien retains his yellow jersey despite suffering a puncture late in the race as stage 2 winner Hudson Lubbers (Ignite Canada) breathes down his neck with just 6 seconds separating the two in the standings.
The General Classification is certainly heating up heading into stage 4 as the pack will embark on the longest day of the tour with 112km to pedal through and an uphill finish to enjoy. Can O'Brien hold onto his leader's jersey for another day?
All eyes turn to stage 4.
