‘I’m super happy’ – Ireland’s Cormac McGeough wins stage three of Rás Tailteann
Conor McGoldrick takes lead in Irish Independent King of the Mountains classification
Rena Ryan presents Cormac McGeough with the FBD Stage winner's jersey on day three of Rás Tailteann from Kenmare to Cahir. Photo: Lorraine O’Sullivan
US-based Irishman Cormac McGeough, riding for the Mexican-based Canel’s Java Team, soloed to victory on stage three of Rás Tailteann in Cahir today.
McGeough was part of a ten-man group that went clear in the final 30km of a very fast 155km stage before attacking alone with 10km to go.
“I lost a bit of time yesterday so that worked out in my favour,” said McGeough afterwards. “I was able to slip away in a move and let the guys who were more concerned about GC do the work. I just did as little as possible and then attacked when they started looking at each other. I just rode my face off for the last 10km and just barely made it. I’m super happy.”
John Buller from Spellman Dublin Port finished second on the stage, three seconds back with Odhran Doogan of Team Ireland a close third.
Overnight leader Dom Jackson (Foran CT) finished alongside his nearest rivals, in the main bunch, just 18 seconds down, the Englishman retaining his yellow jersey despite a strong attack containing defending champion Dillon Corkery and second overall Liam O’Brien (both Team Ireland) in the last 30km.
“It was a super hard day, touch and go whether I held onto yellow,” admitted Jackson afterwards. “Team Ireland played an absolute blinder on the last climb, caught me and the whole peloton off guard. There was a lot of chasing done to still be in contention. The gap went out to 40 seconds and there was nothing I could do. Thankfully a few other big teams missed out and clawed us back, so I’m still living the dream.”
Defending champion Corkery held onto his green jersey of points leader today, O’Brien remains in the white of U23 leader, while British rider Conor McGoldrick of Richardson’s Trek DAS took over the lead in the Irish Independent King of the Mountains classification.
Matteo Cigala (Dan Morrissey Primor by Pissei) leads the county rider classification overall, with Galway’s Gareth O’Neill (Challenge CC) taking the daily county rider award for seventh on the stage.
