Cycling Round Up

FBD Milk Rás: May 2001

By Shane Stokes

STAGE 8

MANNING TAKES FINAL YELLOW:

(May 27) Great Britain team rider Paul Manning today entered the history books when he became the first ever English winner of the FBD Milk Rás. Manning successfully completed the concluding 1 hour criterium race in Dublin's City Centre without mishap, with his team mates successfully neutralising any attacks. The 26 year old finished in the same time as stage winner David Kopp of the Deutsche Telecom team, who was a length clear of Sweden's Niclas Ekstrom and former South African national champion Malcom Lange.

The one hour street race, based on O'Connel street and watched by a large crowd, was defined by many attacks although with the Great Britain and German teams controlling the pursuit there was little chance of success. One to try was last year's champion Julian Winn of Wales, who together with Lange established a ten second lead which was eventually reeled in. Efforts by Neil McDonald (South Africa HSBC) and former race leader Dirk Reichl (Germany Deutsche Telecom), plus a solo move by Irishman David McCann were similarly short-lived, although McCann did manange to collect the third Cycleways prime before being swallowed up. Fellow Ireland-Shannon Oaks Hotel rider Aidan Duff then went clear with Switzerland GS Ficonseils competitor Erik Saunders, but were passed by Mayo Connacht Gold's David O'Loughlin who led for two laps.

However, with David Kopp resplendent in the green jersey and confident about his chances, the 22 year old's well-drilled Deutsche Telecom squad went to the front and worked smoothly to guarantee both a bunch finish and his second stage win of the race. All to the satisfaction of Manning, who finished safely in the same time as all his major rivals and secured that historic victory. David O'Loughlin was best Irishman in 8th overall, with part time cyclist Paul Griffin finishing an impressive 9th. Last year's top home rider, Paddy Moriaty, was next in 14th, while the Ireland Shannon Oaks riders were, somewhat surprisingly, further behind.

Of the other classifications, Kopp took the points competition while Niclas Ekstrom's exploits yesterday ensured his victory in the mountains ranking. Poland Legia were the most consistent of the international teams, while Carlow Dan Morrissey were clear winners in the Irish county team competition. They finished over 17 minutes clear of second-placed Dublin Skip Hire. German rider Christian Knees won the new Irish Sports Council sponsored under 23 classification, while Kerry's Matthew Slattery was a dominant winner in the race for best second category rider.

FBD Milk Ras Stage 8, Dublin city centre criterium: 1, D. Kopp (Germany Deutsche Telecom) 57 mins 17 seconds; 2, N. Ekstrom (Sweden Malerengi); 3, M. Lange (South Africa HSBC); 4, A. Greipel (Germany Deutsche Telecom); 5, E. Moriarty (Meath Cycleways); 6, H. Oldin (Sweden Malerengi); 7, F. De Jager (Holland BRC Kennemerland); 8, P. West (Great Britain); 9, T. Evans (Ireland); 10, E. O'Donoghue (Carlow Dan Morrissey) all same time

Final overall standings: 1, P. Manning (Great Britain) 25 hours 52 mins 31 secs; 2, N. White (South Africa HSBC) at 41 secs; 3, C. Knees (Germany Deutsche Telecom) at 1 min 8 secs; 4, D. Chassot (Switzerland GS Ficonseils) at 1 min 15 secs; 5, J. Crookham (Canada Jet Fuel Coffee) same time; 6, J. Welniak (Poland Legia) at 1 min 36; 7, D. McKenzie (Switzerland GS Ficonseils) at 1 min 41 secs; 8, D. O'Loughlin (Mayo Connacht Gold) at 1 min 44 secs; 9, P. Griffin (Dublin Iarnrod Eireann) at 1 min 49 secs; 10, P. Wedge (Canada Jet Fuel coffee) same time

Points: 1, Kopp, 74 pts; 2, McKenzie, 50; 3, Moriarty, 46 pts Mountains: 1, White, 130 pts; 2, Clarke, 108 pts; 3, Moriarty, 68

Irish Sports Council under 23 Classification: 1, Knees, 25 hours 53 mins 39 secs; 2, M. Salinski (Poland Legia) at 2 mins 14 secs; 3, B. De Waard (Netherlands BRC Kennemerland) same time

Category 2: 1, M. Slattery (Kerry) 25 hours 57 mins 13 secs; 2, D. O'Shea (Kerry) at 1 hour 5 mins 6 secs; 3, C. Farrell (Meath Avonmore) at 1 hour 6 mins 42 secs

International team overall: 1, Poland Legia Bazyliszek, 77 hours 41 mins 39 secs; 2, Switzerland GS Ficonseils at 1 min 20 secs; 3, Canada Jet Fuel coffee, at 3 mins 40 secs

Irish county team overall: 1, Carlow Dan Morrissey 78 hours 1 mins 35 secs; 2, Dublin Skip Hire at 17 mins 37 seconds; 3, Dublin Iarnrod Eireann, at 30 mins 53 secs

   <Full Results on FBD Milk Rás Website Click Here>

STAGE 7

MANNING ON VERGE OF HISTORIC FBD MILK RAS WIN: (May 26) Paul Manning today moved to within one stage of becoming the first Briton to ever win the FBD Milk Rás when he reclaimed the yellow jersey with a dominant display on the final road stage. Manning, who had lost the lead yesterday when he incurred a ten second time penalty, proved a point when he stormed clear of his main rivals on the first category ascent of Corrabut and opened up a decisive advantage which he maintained to the finish in Bunclody.

Today's 7th stage was won by South African professional Nicholas White, who had been caught by Manning after he had earlier raced ahead with the ambition of securing the king of the mountains title. The two joined forces to cross the line over one minute clear of third placed David McCann of the Ireland Shannon Oaks team, and one minute 18 seconds ahead of the deposed race leader Christian Knees.

After a controlled race all week which led in turn to arguably the closest ever leaderboard, today's mountainous stage was predicted as one which would produce large gaps in the general classification and so it proved. The action began from the start, with several big names trying to get clear of the bunch and ensuring, as yesterday, that 59 miles were covered in the first two hours of high-octane racing. However little leeway was given to the opportunist; the German team quickly and ruthlessly closed down any breakaway attempts, with the exception of a 20 mile effort by last year's third place finisher Mark Lovatt of the Southend team and Surrey's Roger Morgan. However this too was eventually negated as the riders sped towards the first passage over the finish line in Bunclody.

With 6 categorised climbs lying in wait in the last 30 miles, including three category one ascents, expectation was that the tight leaderboard would finally be blown apart as the top riders endeavoured to settle matters. The first two riders in the mountains competition, Ray Clarke (Derry Classic Walls NCBI) and Nicholas White (South Africa HSBC), plus Sweden Malerengi's Jukia Heinikainen were the first to commence hostilies when they went clear on the Bunclody category 3 climb, with the latter being shelled as on the category one The Heights. But despite taking the prime at the top, Clarke lost his chance of retaining the polka-dot jersey when the South African professional pressed ahead on the remorselessly tough Corrabut Gap.

Behind, even bigger dramas were taking place on the slopes when Manning exploded out of the front of a 17 man leading group and quickly closed on White. The Polish Legia duo of Sebastian Skiba and Marek Blazej set off in a futile pursuit, crossing the summit slightly ahead of riders such as McCann, Swiss GS Ficonseils duo David McKenzie and Dominique Perras, defending champion Julian Winn and Knees. Also present were Irishmen David O'Loughlin (Mayo Connacht Gold), Paddy Moriarty of Dublin Skip, Antrim UCF's Keith Gallagher and the impressive Paul Griffin, whose quiet consistency has been one of the stories of this year's race.

But the day was all about Manning, clearly still smarting after his ten second penalty for taking a hand-sling during yesterday's stage. The Olympic bronze medallist showed his speed when he stormed over one minute clear of Knees, aided by the contribution of White, while McCann and Pole Jaroslaw Welniak darted clear and finished 13 seconds up on the yellow jersey group.

'I was a bit overgeared on the climbs as I only had a 21 (sprocket),' said McCann afterwards. 'But Manning was going so well today that there was no way I was going to be able to beat him. The most I could have hoped for was to stay with him on the stage - taking a minute out of him (to close his deficit) was out of the question. He deserves to win the race tomorrow - he has proved that he is the strongest.'

Former professional John Herety echoed McCann's judgement, as you might expect from the GB manager. 'Paul was very strong today and things went exactly as we planned,' he said, with a broad smile. 'He has a good lead now and hopefully things will go well in the criterium.' Indeed given the nature of tomorrow afternoon's Dublin City Centre circuit race, Manning and White are virtually assured of taking the first two places overall. Mayo's David O'Loughlin is best Irishman in 8th, with Paul Griffin five seconds behind in 9th place.

1, N. White (South Africa HSBC) 106 miles in 3 hours 47 mins 48 seconds; 2, P. Manning (Great Britain) same time; 3, D. McCann (Ireland Shannon Oaks Hotel) at 1 min 8 seconds; 4, J. Welniak (Poland Legia) same time; 5, J. Winn (Wales) at 1 min 18 secs; 6, S. Skiba (Poland Legia); 7, J. Crookham (Canada Jet Fuel); 8, D. McKenzie (Switzerland GS Ficonseils); 10, L. Davis (Velo Ecosse/Montpellier) all same time

Overall standings:

1, P. Manning (Great Britain) 24 hours 55 mins 14 secs; 2, N. White (South Africa HSBC) at 41 secs; 3, C. Knees (Germany Deutsche Telecom) at 1 min 8 secs; 4, D. Chassot (Switzerland GS Ficonseils) at 1 min 15 secs; 5, J. Crookham (Canada Jet Fuel Coffee) same time; 6, J. Welniak (Poland Legia) at 1 min 36; 7, D. McKenzie (Switzerland GS Ficonseils); 8, D. O'Loughlin (Mayo Connacht Gold) at 1 min 44 secs; 9, P. Griffin (Dublin Iarnrod Eireann) at 1 min 49 secs; 10, P. Wedge (Canada Jet Fuel coffee) same time

Points: 1, Kopp, 59 pts; 2, McKenzie, 50; 3, Manning, 38 pts Mountains: 1, White, 130 pts; 2, Clarke, 108 pts; 3, Moriarty, 68

International team: 1, Poland Legia Bazyliszek; 2, Switzerland GS Ficonseils at 1 min 20 secs; 3, Canada Jet Fuel coffee, at 3 mins 40 secs

  <Full Results on FBD Milk Rás Website Click Here>

STAGE 6

MAARTENS TAKES STAGE, MANNING PENALISED AND LOSES YELLOW:

(May 25) South African professional Jeremy Maartens today won the 6th stage of the FBD Milk Rás, going clear in a group with 12 miles remaining and then beating Mark Lovatt and Anthony Malarczyk to the line in Dungarvan. Mayo Connacht Gold's David O'Loughin was best of the Irish in 5th place. The stage was marked by a number of breakaways by members of the Ireland Shannon Oaks team, including a commendable ride by Mark Scanlon who rode strongly in two breakaway groups in an attempt to improve on his 10th place overall.

Scanlon's first foray came after just 5 when he went clear with 7 others, including compatriots Eugene Moriarty and Phil Cassidy of the Meath Cycleways team, who had made a remarkable recovery after his collapse of yesterday. Although this move was countered, the former world junior champion got clear once more at the 26 mile mark and was prominent at the front of the large breakaway group which established an advantage of over one minute and made him race leader on the road.

Backed by those such as Mark Lovatt, Huw Pritchard and Derry Classic Wall's Brian Ahern, and later bolstered by the reinforcement of another group of riders, the breakaway was ultimately reeled in by the combined forces of the Great Britain and Telecom teams. These also hauled back a subsequent move which featured such dangermen as Cassidy, Tommy Evans (Ireland Shannon Oaks Hotel) and Michael McNena of the Galway Telegael team.

Covering 59 miles in 2 hours, the main bunch split and regrouped several times and many of the field were jettisoned out the back of the speeding peloton. However a moment's inattention enabled others to go clear after Youghal, including Mayo Connacht Gold's David O'Loughlin, Lovatt, plus professionals Maartens and the Switzerland GS Ficonseils pairing of David McKenzie and Dominique Perras. Riding well together, the group touched speeds of over 50 miles per hour on the way into Dungarvan and resisting the frantic chase behind. With two kilometres to go, Maartens and McKenzie attacked; Lovatt scrambled up to the two, but was unable to go with Maartens when he jumped again.

'He didn't do very much work in the break,' said Lovatt. 'He was riding at the start, but towards the finish he wouldn't come through and so was fresher than the rest of us.'

However the biggest story of the stage was the time penalty incurred by race leader Paul Manning, with the ten seconds imposed on him by the race judges pushing him from first to sixth overall. The Olympic bronze medallist had been docked time after getting a hand-sling from team mate Phil West, the failed appeal leaving Germany Deutsche Telecom rider Christian Knees in the lead. 'Obviously we are disappointed but we respect the decision and we just have to get on with it,' said team manager John Herety.' We were looking forward to defending the yellow jersey in the mountains tomorrow'.

Chief commissare Gerry McDaid explained the circumstances. 'At 82 miles after the great Britain team had been driving at the head of the peloton for a long time, the Polish team attacked. West reached back to the yellow jersey and gave him a hand-sling which propelled him to the tail of the group. The commissaire Mickey Robb reported the incident and the rider has been handed a fine of 100 swiss francs and a ten second penalty.'

There was even greater disappointment for Ireland Shannon Oaks rider Morgan Fox, who was forced to retire early on today's stage due to tendonitis. Clearly upset at the finish, Fox saw his second place in the points classification disappear, and also his chance to win the race. He had been 24th overall, 53 seconds behind Manning at the start of the stage. 'I have been feeling the tendonitis for the past three or four days,' he said, 'and had been going to the race doctor about it. But it was just too painful to continue.'

The FBD Milk Rás continues tomorrow with what many regard as the hardest stage, a 106 mile epic over three category one climbs to Bunclody. The riders also face four category three ascents before their estimated 3. 15 pm finish.

Stage 6, Skibbereen-Dungarvan

1, Jeremy Maertens (South Africa HSBC) 102 miles in 3 hours 34 mins 17 secs; 2, M. Lovatt (Southend) at 2 secs; 3, A. Malarczyk (Wales); 4, D. McKenzie (Switzerland GS Ficonseils) both same time; 5, D. O'Loughlin (Mayo Connacht Gold) at 5 secs; 6, J. Griffiths (Wales); 7, D. Perras (Switzerland GS Ficonseils) both same time; 8, D. Kopp (Germany Deutsche Telecom) at 10 secs; 9, E. Moriarty (Meath Cycleways); 10, H. Oldin (Sweden Malerengi) both same time

Cottar Hoose category 2 stage award: 1, M. Slattery (Kerry); 2, D. O'Shea (Kerry); 3, D. Nulty (Meath East)

KOM Primes: Derryleigh Cat 3: 1, E. Moriarty (Meath Cycleways); 2, O'Loughlin; 3, A. Duff (Ireland Shannon Oaks). Barley Hill Cat 3: 1, Moriarty; 2, H. Pritchard (Wales); 3, O'Loughlin. Lissavaird Cat 3: 1, Moriarty; 2, S. Schumacker (Germany Deutsche Telecom); 3, O'Loughlin. Scartagh Cat 3: 1, Perras; 2, Moriarty; 3, J. Winn (Wales). Coolcullitha Cat 3: 1, B. Ahern (Derry Classic Walls); 2, N. McDonald (South Africa HSBC); 3, E. Saunders (Switzerland GS Ficonseils). Ballynagrumoolia Cat 3: 1, Lovatt; 2, Ahern; 3, Saunders. Grange Cat 3: 1, Maaertens; 2, McKenzie; 3, Perras

Middleton prime: 1, D. McCann (Ireland Shannon Oaks Hotel)

International team: 1, Switzerland GS Ficonseils; 2, Wales; 3, South Africa HSBC Irish county team: 1, Dublin Iarnrod Eireann; 2, Meath Cycleways; 3, Carlow Dan Morrissey

Overall: 

1, Christian Knees (Germany Deutsche Telecom) 21 hours 7 minutes 16 secs; 2, D. Chassot (Switzerland GS Ficonseils) at 7 secs; 3, J. Crookham (Canada Jet Fuel Coffee); 4, M. Salinski (Poland Legia); 5, B. De Waard (Holland BRC Kennemerland) all same time; 6, P. Manning (Great Britain) at 10 secs; 7, J. Maertens (South Africa HSBC) at 31 secs; 8, D. McKenzie (Switzerland GS Ficonseils) at 33 secs; 9, A. Malarczyk (Wales) same time; 10, D. O'Loughlin (Mayo Connacht Gold) at 36 secs

Points: 1, Kopp, 59 pts; 2, McKenzie, 42; 3, Moriarty, 35 Mountains: 1, Clarke, 80 pts; 2, White, 76; 3, Moriarty

Category 2 rider: 1, Slattery; 2, O'Shea; 3, J. Crowley (Kerry) International team: 1, Poland Legia Bazyliszek; 2, Germany Deutsche Telecom, at 39 secs

County team: 1, Dublin Skip Hire; 2, Carlow Dan Morrissey, at 46 secs

Jeremy Maartens Stage Winner into Dungarvan

Bunch Finish - Pictures thanks to Jack Doyle

 <Full Results on FBD Milk Rás Website Click Here>

STAGE 5

Knees takes stage, Manning takes yellow: (May 24) With ten categorised climbs, three of which were first category ascents, today's fifth stage of the FBD Milk Rás was expected to decimate the leaderboard and finally open up gaps between the main contenders. Instead, German rider Christian Knees took the third stage win for the Deutsche Telecom team a mere seven seconds ahead of a fast finishing main bunch of riders which included the now-deposed race leader David Chassot.

Swede Jukla Heinikainen, Paul Manning of Great Britain and Meath Cycleway's Eugene Moriarty finished two lengths back and had to be split into second, third and fourth by a photo finish, while 1998 national champion Ray Clarke was fifth.

In Chassot's place, Olympic team pursuit bronze medallist Paul Manning now takes over at the top of the general classification, rising clear of the Swiss professional by the same margin which separated them today. On equal time to Manning, but separated by stage placings, is Knees, while best-placed Irishmen Paul Griffin (8th) and Mark Scanlon (10th) are 41 seconds in arrears with three stages remaining.

Today's 93 mile run from Killorglin to Skibbereen was billed as one of the most difficult of the race, taking in the first category climbs of Ladies View, Moll's Gap and Turner's Rock in the first two hours. Former champion Phil Cassidy stuck to his determined vow to stir up the action when he broke clear at the drop of the flag, with team-mate Moriarty, Derry Classic Wall's Ray Clarke, Kerry's Denis O'Shea and HSBC pro Nicholas White equal contributors to the audacious, ambitious move.

Riding smoothly together up the energy-sapping slopes, the committed quintet stubbornly resisted a number of bridging attempts by a chasing group which including Welshman Huw Pritchard and Ireland Shannon Oak's Aidan Duff, plus a later effort by defending champion Julian Winn and Tour of Italy stage winner David McKenzie.

However as the miles ticked by the strain began to take its toll, with O'Shea first to fade as the riders disputed the prime at the top of the third category Aghagoohen. Cassidy was next to crack, his legs buckling on the second cat ascent of Mount Gabriel after he had given his all to try to help team-mate Moriarty take yellow. However, the fading hopes of the leading trio were boosted when they were joined by Manning, Heinikainen and Knees, the reinforcements helping them to hold off a last gasp effort by two Davids, Ireland Shannon Oak's McCann and Germany's Kopp, plus a late and determined charge by the main bunch which ate into their advantage but was unable to stop them fighting it out for the stage win.

Seven seconds after Knee's jubilant arrival, the main bunch crossed the line with Telecom team-mate Kopp strengthening his grip on the green jersey by winning the sprint. Ireland Shannon Oaks rider Morgan Fox came home 9th to stay second in the points ranking, while his team mates Mark Scanlon, Tommy Evans and Aidan Duff were safely present at the back of the bunch after being involved with a crash with 5 kilometres to go.

Yet the biggest drama of the day was still to come. Some 18 minutes after Knee won the stage, a shattered Cassidy crossed the line. Supported by race officials, he attempted to dismount from his sweat-soaked bicycle but slumped to the ground, where he lay in a state of exhausted collapse for a number of nerve-raking minutes. However, the courageous Meathman eventually recovered and was given the Cycleway Merit Award, ironically sponsored by his own company, by the race organisers for his bravery today.

The race continues tomorrow with a 102 mile stage to Dungarvan.

Results, stage 5: 1, Christian Knees (Germany Deutsche Telecom) 93 miles in 3 hours 44 mins 52 secs; 2, J. Heinikainen (Sweden Malerengi); 3, P. Manning (Great Britain); 4, E. Moriarty (Meath Cycleways) all same time; 5, R. Clarke (Derry Classic Walls NCBI) at 4 secs; 6, N. White (South Africa HSBC) at 5 secs; 7, D. Kopp (Germany Deutsche Telecom) at 7 secs; 8, A. Greipel (Germany Deutsche Telecom); 9, M. Fox (Ireland Shannon Oaks Hotel); 10, J. Macintyre (Velo Ecosse/Montpellier) all same time

KOM Primes: Cat 1, Ladies View: 1, White; 2, D. O'Shea (Kerry); 3, Clarke; 4, Moriarty; 5, P. Cassidy (Meath Cycleways); 6, P. Wedge (Canada Jet Fuel Coffee). Cat 1, Molls Gap: 1, O'Shea; 2, White; 3, Moriarty; 4, Clarke; 5, Cassidy; 6, N. Ekstrom (Sweden Malerengi). Cat 1, Turners Rock: 1, Clarke; 2, White; 3, O'Shea; 4, Moriarty; 5, Cassidy; 6, H. Pritchard (Wales). Cat 3, Derry Creha: 1, Clarke; 2, O'Shea; 3, White. Cat 3, Aghagoohen: 1, Clarke; 2, White; 3, Moriarty. Cat 3, Dunbeacon: 1, Clarke; 2, Cassidy; 3, White. Cat 2, Shantullig: 1, White; 2, Clarke; 3, Moriarty. Cat 2, Mount Gabriel: 1, White; 2, Clarke; 3, Moriarty. KOM Cat 3, Derryconnel: 1, White; 2, Clarke; 3, Moriarty. KOM Cat 3, Ardura: 1, Clarke; 2, White; 3, Knees.

International team stage: 1, Germany Deutsche Telecom; Irish team, stage: 1, Meath Cycleways.

Cottar Hoose category 2 award: 1, M. Slattery (Kerry)

Overall: 1, Manning, 17 hours 32 mins 49 secs; 2, Knees; 3, D. Chassot (Switzerland GS Ficonseils) at 7 secs; 4, J. Crookham (Canada Jet Fuel Coffee); 5, M. Salinski (Poland Legia Bazyliszek); 6, B. De Waard (Holland BRC Kennemerland) all same time; 7, D. Kopp (Germany Deutsche Telecom) at 39 secs; 8, P. Griffin (Dublin Iarnrod Eireann) at 41 secs; 9, D. McKenzie (Switzerland GS Ficonseils) 10, M. Scanlon (Ireland Shannon Oaks) both same time

Points: 1, Kopp, 51 pts; 2, Fox, 42 pts; 3, McKenzie, 30 pts Mountains: 1, Clarke, 76 pts; 2, White, 72 pts; 3, McKenzie, 41 pts

International team: 1, Poland Legia Bazyliszek; 2, Germany Deutsche Telecom, at 39 secs

County team: 1, Dublin Skip Hire; 2, Carlow Dan Morrissey, at 46 secs

  <Full Results on FBD Milk Rás Website Click Here>

STAGE 4

SCANLON TAKES FIRST FBD MILK RAS STAGE: (May 23) The battle proper has begun. The opening three days of the FBD Milk Rás did little to shake up the general classification but yesterday's arduous fourth leg was a different matter entirely. Over the 74 tough miles from Castleisland to Killorglin, which included the category one ascent of the Connor Pass, the first real displays of strength were seen, the first significant splits were made in the general classification. From here on in, the race is truly on.

Stage honours went to Mark Scanlon, the 20 year old fighting back from a shaky ascent of the Connor Pass to ride strongly in the latter half of the race. The Ireland-Shannon Oaks rider claimed two good scalps in the steep uphill rise to the line, powering impressively around 2000 Tour of Italy stage winner David McKenzie and German fastman David Kopp in the final few yards. Galway Telegael rider Michael McNena finished fourth after hesitating slightly with about 200 metres to go. Further back in the sprint, GS Ficonseils professional David Chassot crossed the line 14th, but wrested the yellow jersey from German Dirk Reichls who had been hampered by a puncture.

In truth Reichl had faced a difficult day. An attack by British rider Stephen Cummings caused chaos in the early miles; the brief regrouping which followed was shattered when former Linda McCartney rider David McKenzie powered clear on the slopes of the Connor Pass, with Marek Blazej of Poland and German Christian Knees for company.

Over the top, where a throng of cheering spectators and a hovering Telegael film helicopter added much to the atmosphere, the trio had an advantage of 20 seconds over the chase group containing defending champion Julian Winn, plus Ireland-Shannon Oaks contenders David McCann and Morgan Fox. Further back, Mark Scanlon and Aidan Duff endeavoured to stay in contact, cresting the top over one minute down on McKenzie but like several others, managing to rejoin the pursuers after daredevil descents of the Pass.

Then, disaster for yellow jersey Reichl. The German punctured, missing a large counter attack which succeeded in bridging to the McKenzie group. Absent were contenders such as Winn, McCann and Fox, who ultimately lost 46 precious seconds, while those present included home riders Scanlon, McNena, Paul Griffin, David O'Loughlin and Paddy Moriarty, plus foreign threats Chassot, Anthony Malarczyk and Paul Manning.

Crunch time. Head down, eyeballs out to the finish, the leaders raced into the streets of Killorglin where Scanlon took a second stage win for the Ireland - Shannon Oaks hotel team. For Chassot, yellow, while Reichl was left to rue his loss. Still, today's daunting three category one climbs on the road to Skibbereen provide opportunity for the former German junior hill climb champion. Opportunity, too, for an increasingly impressive McKenzie.

Results, stage 4: Castleisland - Killorglin: 1, M. Scanlon (Ireland Shannon Oaks) 74 miles in 2 hours 47 mins 49 secs; 2, D. McKenzie (Switzerland GS Ficonseils); 3, D. Kopp (Germany Deutsche Telecom); 4, M. McNena (Galway Telegael); 5, P. Griffin (Dublin Iarnrod Eireann); 6, D. O'Loughlin (Mayo Connacht Gold); 7, J. Welniak (Poland Legia-Bazyliszek); 8, P. Manning (Great Britain); 9, P. Wedge (Canada Jet Fuel Coffee); 10, L. Davis (Velo Ecosse/Montpelliers) all same time

Primes: KOM Cat 1, Connor Pass: 1, McKenzie, 2, M. Blazej (Poland Legia-Bazyliszek); 3, C. Knees (Germany Deutsche Telecom); 4, J. Winn (Wales); 5, J. Welniak (Poland Legia-Bazyliszek); 6, S. Schumacher (Germany Deutsche Telecom)

KOM Cat 3, Lispole: 1, McKenzie; 2, Knees; 3, Blazej; 4, J. Heinikainen (Sweden Malerengi); 5, Winn; 6, Scanlon

International team: 1, Poland Legia-Bazyliszek; 2, Germany Deutsche Telecom; 3, Switzerland GS Ficonseils

County team: 1, Mayo Connacht Gold; 2, Dublin Skip Hire; 3, Carlow Dan Morrissey

Overall: 1, D. Chassot (Switzerland GS Ficonseils) 13 hours 47 mins 57 secs; 2, J. Crookham (Canada Jet Fuel Coffee); 3, M. Salinski (Poland Legia Bazyliszek); 4, P. Manning (Great Britain); 5, Knees; 6, B. De Waard (Holland BRC Kennemerland) all same time; 7, D. Kopp (Germany Deutsche Telecom) at 32 secs; 8, M. Scanlon (Ireland Shannon Oaks) at 34 secs; 9, P. Griffin (Dublin Iarnrod Eireann); 10, J. Welniak (Poland Legia-Bazyliszek) both same time

Points: 1, Kopp, 42; 2, Fox, 35; 3, McKenzie, 28 Mountains: 1, McKenzie, 41; 2, Winn, 30; 3, Schumacher, 28 Under 23: 1, Salinski; 2, Knees; 3, De Waard, both same time Irish category 2: 1, M. Slattery (Kerry); 2, C. McGuinness (Kildare Cahill Cycles) at 5 mins 23 secs; 3, J. McCarthy (Kerry) at 12 mins 35 secs

International team overall: 1, Poland Legia-Bazyliszek; 2, Germany Deutsche Telecom, at 46 secs; 3, Switzerland GS Ficonseils, at 1 min 20 secs

Irish county team overall: 1, Dublin Skip Hire; 2, Antrim UCF, at 12 secs; 3, Carlow Dan Morrissey, at 46 secs

  <Full Results on FBD Milk Rás Website Click Here>

STAGE 3

Second German Stage Win in FBD Milk Rás: (May 22) German rider David Kopp made it two in a row for the Deutsche Telecom team today when he won the third stage of the FBD Milk Rás, from Nenagh to Castleisland. Kopp proved fastest in the mass bunch sprint to the line, pipping Tour of Italy stage winner David McKenzie and Irishman Eugene Moriarty in a close and thrilling finish.

Morgan Fox of the Ireland - Shannon Oaks Hotel team finished fourth for the second day in succession and retains the green jersey of points leader. He also remains second overall, 4 seconds behind 19 year old German Dirk Reichl who claimed the yellow jersey yesterday and rode strongly on today's 115 mile leg of the race.

Despite expectations to the contrary, the marathon stage effected little change to the overall classification, with only the weaker riders being weeded out on the first category ascent of Carrigeenina. With the yellow jersey climbing comfortably, the front runners remained en bloc over the top; however, after the climb Irishman Eugene Moriarty, Stephen Cummings of the GB squad, plus professionals Marek Blazej (Legia and GS Ficonseils Erik Saunders went clear and established a 32 second lead. However, their chances of staying clear evaporated when race favourites David McKenzie and Kevin Dawson set off in pursuit in 7 man group, causing Reichl's Deutsche Telecom team to chase down the move.

Irishman Eddie O'Donoghue was next to try, going clear alone after 60 miles and being joined by a four man group which included Premier calendar star Anthony Malarczyk of Wales and former Irish national champion Ray Clarke. Opening up a maximum lead over three and a half minutes after 80 miles, their advantage tumbled when the lethargic main field was whipped into shape by the pursuit of the Deutsche Telecom and GB teams. With 18 miles remaining, Clarke (Derry Classic Walls) jumped clear of the doomed breakaway; riding with great courage, he quickly opened up a gap over his former companions and held off the speeding bunch for a further 13 miles.

The pressure from behind was, however, too much and the stage was decided in a bunch sprint, the first such occurrence in a road stage for quite some time.

The race continues tomorrow with a 74 mile stage to Killorglin, with the category one Conor pass coming at the halfway point.

1, David Kopp (Team Deutsche Telecom) 115 miles in 4 hours 27 mins 17 secs; 2, David McKenzie (GS Ficonseils); 3, Eugene Moriarty (Cycleways); 4, Morgan Fox (Ireland - Shannon Oaks Hotel); 5, Niclas Ekstrom (Malerengi); 6, Kieran McMahon (Dublin Iarnrod Eireann); 7, Tommy Evans (Ireland-Shannon Oaks Hotel); 8, Philip West (Great Britain); 9, Paul Griffin (Dublin Iarnrod Eireann); 10, Julian Winn (Wales) all same time

1, Dirk Reichl (Team Deutsche Telecom) 6 hours 32 mins 47 secs; 2, Morgan Fox (Ireland -Shannon Oaks Hotel) at 4 secs; 3, David Chassot (GS Ficonseils); 4, Krzysztof Zasada (Legia-Bazylisz); 5, Jason Crookham (Jet Fuel Coffee); 6, Paul Manning (Great Britain); 7, Marek Salinski (Legia - Bazylisz); 8, Henrik Oldin (Malerengi); 9, Christian Knees (Deutsche Telecom); 10, James Griffiths (Wales), all same time

Points classification: 1, Fox, 35 pts; 2, Kopp, 29; 3, West, 21 Mountains: 1, Stefan Schumacker, 23 pts; 2, Winn, 22; 3, D. McKenzie (GS Ficonseils), 21 Under 23: 1, Reichl; 2, Salinski, at 4 secs; 3, Knees, same time  <Full Results on FBD Milk Rás Website Click Here>

STAGE 2

Reichl takes stage and jersey in FBD Milk Rás: (May 21) German under 23 rider Dirk Reichl today added the yellow jersey of race leadership and the blue of stage winner to the mountain jersey he took yesterday, when he won the second stage of the FBD Milk Rás into Portumna. At the end of the flat, fast 81 miles, the 19 year old proved quickest of 15 breakaway riders in the sprint to the line, with Morgan Fox best of the Irish in 4th place.

Fox had earned a free ride to the finish due to Ireland-Shannon Oaks team-mate David McCann's yellow jersey, which effectively meant that he was exempt from contributing to the breakaway. However while he and many observers fancied his chances of taking the stage win, bad cornering technique by the rider immediately ahead of him hampered his progress in the final 300 metres, leaving him disappointed at the finish. However, fourth today and fifth yesterday meant that he inherited the green points jersey from McCann.

Fox is now second overall, 4 seconds behind Reichl. Previous race leader McCann came home as part of the main bunch 34 seconds later and slips to 16th overall. However, with 6 tough stages left in the race such a time gap is by no means terminal, with much more reshuffling of the general classification likely before the race finishes in Dublin on Sunday. The riders tomorrow tackle the first significant climbs of the race during the marathon 115 mile stage to Castleisland, a run which is likely to give the first real glimpse of those who are the main contenders for the final prize.

Missing from the FBD Milk Rás, however, will be one of the pre-race favourites, Olympic bronze medallist Chris Newton. Fresh from a recent success in the Circuit Des Mines professional race, the talented Englishman was today forced to retire midway through the race due to foot problems. He had had a verucca removed in recent days.

His absence will make the task somewhat easier for the Irish team, although manager Declan Byrne was deeply frustrated today at the poor feedback of information. 'The race radios were simply not working correctly, and we had no idea of who was up the road. By the time we found out that guys like Paul Manning were up there, it was too late to bring them back. We don't mind losing the jersey at this early stage, but it obviously would have been preferable if David (McCann) and the rest of the team were closer to the overall leader.

As things stand, there is no designated chief on an impressively strong, and encouragingly motivated Irish team. 'There is no firm leader yet,' confirmed Fox. 'We are likely to decide who will be the protected rider after tomorrow's stage - whoever has the best legs will emerge then.'

1, Dirk Reichl (Team Deutsche Telecom) 81 miles in 3 hours 6 mins 39 secs 2, Henrik Oldin (Team Malerengi) 3, Krzysztof Zasada (Legia-Bazylisz) 4, Morgan Fox (Ireland-Shannon Oaks Hotel) 5, Stephen Cummings (Great Britain) 6, Christian Knees (Team Deutsche Telecom) 7, Jason Crookham (Jet Fuel Coffee) 8, Marek Salinski (Legia - Bazylisz) 9, David Chassot (GS Ficonseils) 10, Nicholas White (HSBC), all same time

1, Dirk Reichl (Team Deutsche Telecom) 6 hours 32 mins 47 secs 2, Morgan Fox (Ireland -Shannon Oaks Hotel) at 4 secs 3, David Chassot (GS Ficonseils) 4, Jason Crookham (Jet Fuel Coffee) 5, Krzysztof Zasada (Legia-Bazylisz) 6, Paul Manning (Great Britain) 7, Marek Salinski (Legia - Bazylisz) 8, Henrik Oldin (Team Malerengi) 9, Christian Knees (Team Deutsche Telecom) 10, James Griffiths (Wales), all same time

STAGE 1

McCANN MAKES STIRRING START: (May 20) Sitting on the edge of the presentation stand at the end of an eyeballs-out opening stage of the FBD Milk Rás yesterday, Irish professional David McCann considered his chances for the tough week ahead. 'I had a heavy cold during the week and still feel very bunged up,' he said, pointing to his sinuses. 'I don't feel great at the moment, but hopefully I will get over it soon.'

Had competitors been nearby, the statement could have been misinterpreted as a psychological ploy, an effort to intimidate the opposition. For, regardless of his malady, McCann had minutes earlier ridden to a stirring solo victory on the streets of Ballaghderreen, a daring pursuit race between the Belfast Olympian and a fast closing main bunch which saw his green and white national champion's jersey crest the tape three seconds clear.

The prize: his 3rd stage win in the event, his first ever yellow jersey in the race and a valuable confidence booster after a week spent questioning his body's ability to successfully tackle the arduous 8 day contest.

As opening stages go, it was a humdinger of a race. Covering over 28 miles in the first hour, the early stages saw a number of short-lived attacks including one such foray by defending champion Julian Winn, which elicited a prompt response by the chasing bunch. 1999 winner Philip Cassidy pipped Winn to take the opening hotspot sprint, and three second time bonus, in Delvin, with the Welshman again second behind Stephen O'Sullivan in Edgeworthstown and thus becoming leader on the road.

However, hopes that he might take up where he left off twelve months ago seemed dashed just minutes later when he missed a crucial breakaway, danger stamped all over it and intent clear. Quickly opening a time gap which jumped from seconds to minutes, the riders pooled their strengths and eked out a decisive lead; those present included 2000 Tour of Italy stage winner David McKenzie, Cassidy, McCann, Ireland/Shannon Oaks team-mate Aidan Duff, plus Krzystof Zasada and Peter Wedge of the professional Legia and Jet Fuel Coffee squads. Deutsche Telecom's Dirk Reichl made the most of the opportunity to take the Strokestown bonus sprint and climbed convincingly well to assume the lead in the mountains competition, while Paddy Moriarty and Richie Cahill increased the Irish interest. Chris Young of Deeside and Winn's team-mate Anthony Malarczyk made it eleven up front.

This was serious stuff. Most teams represented, 85 miles covered in three hours and the main bunch split behind by the speed of the chase; early days in the FBD Milk Rás, but already the gauntlet was being cast down to those behind. Cue the contribution of the powerful GB national squad, three Olympic pursuit bronze medallists amongst them who, together with Southend's Mark Lovatt and Kevin Dawson, finally succeeded in stopping the rot.

As the miles to the finish ticked down, so too their deficit. One minute and three seconds with twelve kilometres left in the stage, 53 seconds with ten remaining and then just 35 as the leaders reached the five kilometres to go sign. Touch and go, nail biting stuff. And despite the efforts of riders such as McKenzie and Duff to break up the doomed front-runners, the scene looked set for a rare bunch finish.

But McCann thought otherwise. Responding to an attack by Wedge, he finally shook off his shadow Reichl and made one last burst which drew him clear. 'I gave it everything on a drag with about three kilometres to go, and finally got a gap. From there it was just flat out to the line, trying to hold off the bunch all the way.'

That he did, with a blend of strength and determination. He may be below-par with a cold, but McCann could scarcely have hoped for a better start to the week. Roll on stage two.

FBD Milk Rás Stage 1: Navan - Ballaghderreen

1, David McCann (Ireland-Shannon Oaks Hotel) 96 miles in 3 hours 26 mins 9 secs; 2, D. Kopp (Deutsche Telecom) at 3 secs; 3, P. West (Great Britain); 4, A. Greipel (Team Deutsche Telecom); 5, M. Fox (Ireland - Shannon Oaks Hotel); 6, M. Scanlon (Ireland - Shannon Oaks Hotel); 7, J. Papp (Team Cliff Bar); 8, T. Wienenroth (Team Rg Hamburg); 9, M. Fitzgerald (Derry Classic Walls); 10, D. Chassot (Team G.S Ficonseils)

Overall: 1, McCann, 3 hours 26 mins 4 secs; 2, J. Winn (Wales) at 4 secs; 3, D. Reichl (Team Deutsche Telecom) same time; 4, Cassidy, same time; 5, S. O'Sullivan (Derry Classic Walls) at 5 secs; 6, Kopp, at 6 secs; 7, West, at 7 secs; 8, A. Crowley (Meath Cycleways) same time; 9, A.Greipel (Team Deutsche Telecom) at 7 secs; 10, Fox, at 7 secs

Under 23 classification: 1, Reichl; 2, Kopp; 3, Greipel

Points classification: 1, McCann, 15 pts; 2, Kopp, 14; 3, West, 13.

Mountains: 1, Reichl, 8 pts; 2, K. Zasada (Legia - Bazyliszek), 7; 3, C. Newton (Great Britain), 5

Hot spot sprints: Delvin: 1, Cassidy; 2, Winn; 3, Crowely. Edgeworthstown: 1, O'Sullivan; 2, Winn; 3, Reichl. Strokestown: 1, Reichl; 2, McCann; 3, Cassidy

KOM: Scramoge, Cat 3: 1, Chris Newton (GB); 2, Reichl; 3, McCann. Rathcroghan, Kom 3: 1, K. Zasada (Legia - Bazyliszek); 2, Reichl; 3, P. Wedge (Jet Fuel Coffee)

International team: 1, Ireland Shannon Oaks Hotel, 10 hrs 18 mins 33 secs; 2, Deutsche Telecom, at 3 secs; 3, Great Britain, at 3 secs

County team overall: 1, Derry Classic Walls, 10 hrs 18 mins 36 secs   <Full Results on FBD Milk Rás Website Click Here>

ONE DAY TO GO

Strong Irish Team Take on Foreign Opposition: (May 19) Tomorrow's start to the FBD Milk Rás will see the strongest ever foreign contingent challenging for the honours. A total of 80 riders, drawn from four continents, have come to Ireland chasing the world ranking points which for the first time have been awarded to the nation's premier cycling event. Amongst them, four professional teams and riders of the calibre of 2000 Tour of Italy stage winner and Olympic bronze medallist Chris Newton.

Given the strength of the overseas entrants, it is a relief that the Shannon Oaks Hotel-backed Irish team is regarded as the strongest ever fielded; classy riders, all of them proven winners, each benefiting from good preparation in foreign races. Stage victories are likely, but the overall title is the real target.

Each rider goes into the race on equal status but most observers feel that David McCann is most likely to succeed, given his credentials. Last year McCann impressed greatly; winning both the points classification and the king of the mountains competition in the FBD Milk Rás, the 27 year old went on to win the national road race title at the end of June. But it was his ride in the Olympic Games road race which stands out.

An amateur against the world's best professionals, the Belfast man's 43rd place, just one minute and 38 seconds behind a rampant Jan Ullrich, spoke volumes. So too his last lap attack; a courageous/cheeky burst after 230 kilometres which may have proved fruitless but illustrated his ability. A contract followed with the second division CCC Mat team and he was a pro at last.

Tomorrow, McCann becomes the first Irish professional to ride the FBD Milk Rás. Selected for the national team last month, he returns to the race determined to scoop some world ranking points, to improve on his stage win and victories in the mountains and points competition of last year. Thus far in 2001 he has had a mixed season - hampered by a tooth abscess and bronchitis in the early season, he more recently placed 28th in both the 1.3 ranked Rund um Köln race and the 1.4 Tour de Berne. After the FBD Milk Rás, which he aims to win, the goal is to string together some good results and secure a slot with a bigger pro team for 2002.

Equally determined to chase yellow is Tommy Evans, who finished one place ahead of McCann when winning the race back in 1996. The former national champion has been based in France as part of the Team Ireland set-up this year and has had the most impressive start to the season of that quintet. Evans has recorded a string of good results abroad, including a fine third in the Archer Grand Prix and victory in the national French Criterium Varois race at the end of April. Clearly thriving abroad, he is probably too old to think in terms of a pro contract but is nevertheless one of the strongest in a green jersey.

Morgan Fox has already been in the paid ranks. He envisaged that his debut last season would mark the beginning of a good career; instead glandular fever robbed his strength and stole his opportunity. Tonissteiner boss Gerard Bulens assured him the team would give him another chance but then reneged at the last moment. This season, he has been rebuilding with the Team Ireland set up and rode strongly to finish 4th in last Sunday's world ranked Lincoln GP. Time is running out, at 26 years of age, but the good legs are coming back. Results between now and September are crucial.

In contrast, Mark Scanlon has the clock on his side. Just 20 years of age, he has already achieved far more than most Irish internationals could dream of, but then again his ability and ambition suggest he is on a different trajectory altogether. A pro debut with the Linda McCartney team came apart with the unraveling of the financially-troubled squad, but a trial with first division stars Mercury is on offer later this year.

In truth few know what to expect of the Sligoman in the FBD Milk Rás. People will hold up Stephen Roche and Eamon Byrne as examples of young riders who were good enough to win the race, but the Irish tour has changed, become tougher since their day. World ranking points have drawn a far better field and consequently national squad manager Declan Byrne feels that yellow may be out of reach. 'It is probably asking too much because of his age. It also remains to be seen how he handles a 8 day race like the FBD Milk Rás. But he is so strong that stage wins are certainly possible.'

That leaves Dubliner Aidan Duff, for some the dark horse of the team. The 25 year old has been racing in France for a number of years and impressed many in 2000 with his cool consistency in the FBD Milk Rás. Tipped by many observers as a possible winner, his chances were ruined when he broke his chain at a crucial time and strained a tendon.

As is his way, he is keeping quiet about his chances in the Rás. A niggling injury this year has hampered his racing, but he nevertheless has impressed. Three years ago he was tipped for the top by Stephen Roche; he's still in the amateur ranks but the feeling persists that Duff has still a lot left to give. Next week may well be the time that it all starts to come together for him.

The one concern for some observers, though, is that the squad may have too many strong riders. Manager Declan Byrne states that personal ambition will not take precedence over team interests; the success of the quintet may well hinge on how true this assessment proves to be.   <Full Results on FBD Milk Rás Website Click Here>

PREVIEW

TOUGH FBD MILK RAS IN STORE: (May 18) The big guns are back on home soil, bodies ready and bicycles gleaming. Final countdown to a ferocious scrap, pride, points and prestige at stake. Exiles returning and home combatants waiting nervously, their biggest appointment of the year quickening the heartbeat and heightening adrenalin as they count down the remaining minutes.

Two days to go, the fuse is lit and the flame racing towards the charge. On the way, a daunting foreign opposition, ahead of them all an intimidating, saw-toothed backbreaker of a course which will bring pain and frustration to many and glory to just a few. Bringing too, in all likelihood, complete and utter bewilderment to those students of racing logic who may expect anything other than the head-down, arse-up, eyeballs-out style of racing which characterizes the FBD Milk Rás.

Frankly, there's no other like it. Club-man against champion, county team against continental professional and courageous, aggressive riding the only antidote to the danger of missing the kind of early breakaway which defies logic but steals minutes. When the flag drops at 12 noon on Sunday in Navan, the fireworks begin.

This year, the 49th edition of the race, the show is bigger than ever. The first-time allocation of world ranking points has ensured that much. Amongst the biggest ever field of 190 riders lurks 16 strong foreign teams, four of which are professional. Tour of Italy stage winner David McKenzie leads the charge at the helm of the Swiss GS Ficonseils outfit, and has the best palmares in the race. Team HSBC from South Africa, Legia-Bazliszek from Poland and Canadian team Jet Fuel Coffee complete the pro line-up. The dozen remaining foreign squads hail from the USA, the Netherlands, Japan, Germany, Sweden, Great Britain, Scotland, and Wales, with whom defending champion - and real dangerman - Julian Winn will compete.

Other serious contenders are the Great Britain selection, featuring three bronze medallists from the team pursuit in Sydney. Of these, Chris Newton is the greatest threat, as evidenced by his exceptional win in the recent world-ranked Circuit de Mines stage race in France. Mark Lovatt (Southend) and team-mate Kevin Dawson have both finished third in the race and will be keen to go further; so too Surrey Racing League's Gethin Butler, who has oft impressed.

Fortunately what is arguably the strongest-ever Irish team has been assembled to meet the foreign challenge. Olympian and neo-professional David McCann has the best credentials of the Shannon Oaks Hotel-sponsored quintet, but Tommy Evans (1996 winner), former world junior champion Mark Scanlon, ex-Tonissteiner pro Morgan Fox and the impressive Aidan Duff have lifted enough trophies in the past to demand consideration. Of the other Irish, Paddy Moriarty, double winner Philip Cassidy, Team Ireland duo of Michael McNena and Stephen O'Sullivan, plus under 23 champion David O'Loughlin will have ambitions of taking yellow; so too Paul Healion and Eugene Moriarty. And a few more besides.

Crucial stages? On the FBD Milk Rás, even the flat ones can do massive damage, but Thursday's 150 kilometres from Killorglin to Skibberreen and Saturday's 171 kilometres from Dungarvan to Bunclody are both hill-peppered nightmares which will decimate the field. In truth, though, the head down, eyeballs out school of racing will ensure that each of the 1,119 kilometres from Navan to Dublin's O'Connell street will provide danger for the race leader, opportunity for the brave, a purgatory for the weak. And a challenge to each and every one of the 190 who line out at high noon this Sunday.

Stages:

• Sunday 20th May, stage 1: Navan - Ballaghaderreen, 155Kms. 

• Monday 21st, stage 2: Ballaghaderreen - Portumna,131Kms. 

• Tuesday 22nd stage 3: Nenagh - Castleisland, 184Kms. 

• Wednesday 23rd stage 4: Castleisland - Killorglin, 119Kms. 

• Thursday 24th, stage 5: Killorglin - Skilbberreen, 150Kms. 

• Friday 25th, stage 6: Skibberreen - Dungarvan, 164Kms. 

• Saturday 26th, stage 7: Dungarvan - Bunclody, 171Kms. 

• Sunday 27th, stage 8: Dublin City Circuit, 45Kms.