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Last Updated: 2 Apr 2018 - 8:45:17 PM |
TOUR OF IRELAND 2009 - Stage 3 Pictures
By Stephen McMahon
24 Aug 2009,
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2009 Tour of Ireland - 2.1 - Ireland, August 21 - 23, 2009.
August 23, 2009 - Stage 3, Bantry – Cork 185kms.
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| Singin’ in the rain: Sam Bennett of the Irish National Team tries to make the best of a bad situation at the start of Stage 3 in Bantry, County Cork. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| No doubt conscious of the atrocious weather conditions at the start of Stage 3, Lance Armstrong (Astana) left it until the very last minute to make his way from the Astana team bus to the start line. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| The leading group grapple with the brutally steep incline of St. Patrick’s Hill in Cork City. As if the circuit wasn’t challenging enough, the riders had to deal with what can only be described as a typhoon. Of the 103 starters, only 47 riders completed the stage. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Philip Deignan (Cervélo Test Team) was involved in skirmishes on the road to Cork and persisted in his efforts on St. Patrick’s Hill. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Sam Bennett (Ireland National Team) gave another exhibition of his class on Stage 3. The youngest rider in the race seemed to revel in the exceptionally challenging weather conditions. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Taming St. Patrick’s Hill was a matter of pride for Paul Griffin (Ireland National Team). When it came to encouragement, the heaving crowds made sure no rider was left wanting. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Matt Wilson (Team Type 1) eyes up another victory in the King of the Mountains classification at the Tour of Ireland. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Mark McNally (Team Halfords) grimaces as he takes on St. Patrick’s Hill one pedal stroke at a time. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Chris Newton (Rapha Condor Cycling Team) digs deep as he starts the climb for the final time. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Peter Williams (CandiTV – Marshalls Pasta) concentrates on his rhythm. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Adrien Niyonshuti of the MTN Cycling Team looking composed as he embarks on his final lap of the circuit. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Sunshine on a rainy day: Lars Petter Nordhaug (Joker Bianchi) celebrates victory on Stage 3 while Russell Downing (CandiTV – Marshalls Pasta) celebrates overall victory on the 2009 Tour of Ireland. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| The rain eased off and the sun came out just in time to shine down on the victors. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| One of the first people to congratulate Russell Downing on his very impressive victory was his brother, Dean. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Downing was both exhausted and exhilarated after sealing victory in the overall on Stage 3. What better way to celebrate your birthday? ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| A few minutes of recuperation time were required after the battle royale was over. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Well wishers and quote hunters huddled around Downing as he took a few minutes to compose himself and take it all in. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Manager of the CandiTV – Marshalls Pasta team Phil Griffiths was thrilled with Downing’s win. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Winner of Stage 3 into Cork City, Lars Petter Nordhaug (Joker Bianchi) is congratulated on the podium. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Third place on Stage 3 was enough to see Matti Breschel (Team Saxo Bank) don the white jersey of Best Placed U-25 Rider overall. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Breschel was well entitled to smile after a successful few days racing on the 2009 Tour of Ireland. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Miss Stacey Kelly, daughter of cycling great Sean Kelly, presented Matt Wilson (Team Type 1) with his King of the Mountains jersey. Miss Kelly was assisted during the ceremony by Mr. Pat McQuaid, a person of some standing in Irish cycling circles by all accounts. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Mr. Consistent: Russell Downing (CandiTV – Marshalls Pasta) also took victory in the Points Competition. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Worth waiting for: Russell Downing (CandiTV – Marshalls Pasta), winner of the 2009 Tour of Ireland. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Time for the champagne. It had rained all day on Stage 3 so nobody was worried about getting soaked!. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
Photo captions: © Stephen McMahon: st.mcmahon@gmail.com
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