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PICTURE GALLERY : Stephen McMahon Last Updated: 2 Apr 2018 - 8:45:17 PM
TOUR OF IRELAND - Stage 2 Pictures
By Stephen McMahon
29 Aug 2008,

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Stage 2 of the 2008 Tour of Ireland traversed the midlands of the country from Thurles in County Tipperary to Loughrea in County Galway. ©: Stephen McMahon.

After some early skirmishes, Swedish National Time Trial champion Fredrik Ericcson (Team Pezula Racing) went clear after 12 kilometres. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Sean Lacey (Team Ireland) concentrates on maintaining his position in the pursuing peloton. ©: Stephen McMahon.

The race passed through the heartlands of hurling and sports fans of all persuasions lined the route. ©: Stephen McMahon

Joachim Bohler (Joker Bianchi Team) requests for support from his team car as the peloton maintain a steady tempo. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Irish hopes were dealt a serious blow when Daniel Martin (Garmin Chipotle H30) was forced to retire from the race. The reigning National Champion had been suffering with a viral infection in recent days and was obviously weakened from the experience. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Martin's disappointment was palpable as he boarded the Broom Wagon. His hopes of a strong ride in his home tour may have been dashed but the Garmin Chipotle H30 rider made a mature decision. Ride on and risk the rest of his season or cut his losses and plan for the future. There will be other races to contest when he has returned to full strength. ©: Stephen McMahon

Back in the bunch, it was Martijn Maaskant (Garmin Chipotle H30) turn to get the drinks in. ©: Stephen McMahon.

It was business as usual for Team Columbia at the head of affairs. Bernard Eisel sets the pace as the sun breaks through and the race begins to heat up. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Julian Dean (Garmin Chipotle H30) takes valuable points at the third sprint into the town of Portumna. ©: Stephen McMahon.

There was a mood of celebration along the route. ©: Stephen McMahon.

A traditional Irish music session was in full flow as the race approached Loughrea to begin the 16 kilometre loop of the Lough from which the town takes its name. ©: Stephen McMahon.

The New Zealand National Champion was again active in the hunt for sprint points and bonus seconds as the peloton started the lap of the Lough. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia) timed his sprint to perfection to take victory on Stage 2 of the 2008 Tour of Ireland. ©: Stephen McMahon.

That man from the Isle of Man looked calm and composed as he celebrated his second stage win of the race. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Literally minutes after thundering across the line Cavendish was faced with a barrage of cameras and questions. ©: Stephen McMahon.

While the victor recounted his sprint the vanquished arrived home. A high-speed crash in the closing kilometres saw Simon Holt (Rapha Condor Recyciling.co.uk) hit the deck. Fortunately he was able to remount and cross the line. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Another victim of the crash and last man home Ingar Stokstad (Joker Bianchi Team) received every encouragement for his efforts from the crowd as he rolled delicately across the line. ©: Stephen McMahon

Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia) now has a matching set of the Waterford Crystal vases given to stage winners. ©: Stephen McMahon.

He may not have won the stage but the perks of making it up onto the podium certainly put a smile on the face of Alexander Kristoff (Joker Bianchi Team). ©: Stephen McMahon.

With Cavendish in yellow and Kristoff in green, Juan van Heerden (MTN Energade) will shoulder the white jersey of Best Placed Young Rider. ©: Stephen McMahon.

Matt Wilson (Team Type 1) consolidated his lead in the Mountains Classification on Stage 2. ©: Stephen McMahon

Two victories in two days is certainly worth smiling about. ©: Stephen McMahon.

: Cavendish was understandably satisfied with his brace of stage wins and will certainly be motivated to go for a hat trick. ©: Stephen McMahon.


Stephen McMahon's Tour of Ireland Photo's are brought to you courtesy of Wheelwork Bike Shop - www.wheelworxbikes.com

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