Conor Dunne leads the breakaway as it goes clear, with the main field just back the road (Photo: Con Chronis)
Conor Dunne has said while he was delighted to take a podium finish on today's stage 2 of the Sun Herald Tour in Australia, his Aqua Blue Sport team wanted more from the race in the days ahead.
That was a view echoed by team directeur Nicki Sørensen who said while Dunne had ridden a brilliant race, his ride was one step closer to securing a big win.
Dunne was beaten only by WorldTour man Luke Rowe (Team Sky) who attacked going over the top of the final climb of the day leaving the rest of the day's breakaway behind.
It was a testing finale for Dunne who had been away in the group all day and would puncture late on, only to get back into the 10-man breakaway just as Rowe attacked.
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And having used some of his matches to get back on terms, Dunne had no answer when Rowe went.
Dunne thanks the crowd for its applause as he comes over the line solo just behind Rowe for 2nd place on the day (Photo: Con Chronis)
However, he still ahead enough in his leg to attack those he was left with and solo into Beechworth for 2nd.
It is a town that has been good to the Irish on this race, with former Irish international Aidan Duff winning a stage of this race there 17 years ago.
The runner-up spot for Dunne continues a good run of form as he continues to be a breakaway specialist in the first days of his tenure with his new team, having also been in the escape and won the climbers' classification at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.
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“I felt good today, it was the plan for the team to be aggressive and we made sure we covered the early breakaway," he said after the finish today.
"It was good to make that move. The boys all rose really strongly, we were all covering it, different moves at the start. It just was me that slipped away.
Luke Rowe comes home for a clear win; he simply proved too strong on the last climb (Photo: Con Chronis)
“It always kind of looked it would go to the finish once we got our gap. I was feeling strong so I rode all in for the stage result.
“We had a seven kilometre climb about 12 kilometres from the finish. The break all split up there. There was about five of us at the front.
"Just going over the top Luke Rowe attacked and he was just super strong. I couldn’t get back on terms with him. I hit the remains of the break to solo away for second.
"I was happy to get a result for the team and hopefully we can try again in the coming days."
Dunne said directeur Sørensen had played a key role in assisting him from the team car and over the radio.
For his part, Sørensen is clearly looking for wins for the team but said he was delighted with Dunne's riding so far.
"Conor rode very well at the Cadel Evans road race, securing the climbers' jersey from a day long attack," he said.
"Today he showed his class and how good his form is. He suffered a mechanical, fought to get back. As he was recovering from the chase Rowe attacked – he was too strong to take back.
“I am delighted for the team and for Conor – I am really happy about the ride today. We are getting closer."
Highlights stage 2, Herald Sun Tour
