Cronshaw Wins but Haynes takes Yellow in Stage 3 Tour of the North

Today's penultimate stage of the P & O Irish Sea Tour of the North produced a major shake-up in the general Classification with double stage winner Philip Lavery (Ulster-David McCall- Slane Cycles) losing his race leader's jersey to Scots rider Hamish Haynes of V.C. Ecosse. Lavery was put under relentless pressure form the Rapha Condor outfit throughout the 80 mile stage of 4 laps of the Drumsurn circuit at Limavady which contained two major climbs. The young 20-year-old representing Ulster for the first time responded to virtually every attack but faded in the final 20 miles coming home 1-32 down on stage winner from Lancashire Matt Cronshaw of Rapha-Condor. However he had some satisfaction in once again beating Dean Downing in the sprint for the second time.

Cronshaw took the sprint from Hamish Haynes (VC Ecosse) and Conor Murphy (Eurocycles). Murphy was undoubtedly the star of today's race. He was constantly involved in all the action at the front and jumped clear gaining a full minute during the final lap. His solo attempt for victory was thwarted in the closing miles but he still had the strength to take third spot.

Glenarm's Conor McAllister riding for the Slane Cycles sponsored Ulster-David McCall Foundation team had a superb stage finishing in 7th spot with the small leading group but moving into 3rd place overall just 8 seconds adrift of Haynes and 2 seconds behind Tom Last of Sigma Sport.

Biggest loser on the day was Belfast’s Glenn Kinning (East Antrim) who began the stage wearing the King of the Hills Polka Dot jersey but had a terrible day finishing over half an hour down on the main field. That classification is now led by Martyn Irvine (Planet X) last year's overall winner of the race followed by Conor McAllister and Conor Murphy.

The course today was a change from the one originally planned but was perhaps a stroke of good fortune as it proved to be one of the best stages in recent tours. The four laps of the course, which was interspersed with shortcuts, allowed spectators to see the action frequently and get a real flavour of how the race was progressing. With bright sunshine and fantastic scenery it was a perfect day despite the freezing cold.

It was also ideal for the motorbike marshalls to receive professional guidance from the PSNI on relatively quiet roads. Once again the PSNI and civilian motorbike riders did a superb job of controlling the race and minimising potential danger. Thanks are also due to Roe Valley CC who turned out in great numbers to act as guides and static marshalls. Their help was greatly appreciated by the organisers.

Back at Roe Valley Leisure Centre the catering staff ensured everyone was well fed with hot pasta and rice dishes courtesy of Limavady Borough Council.

Tomorrow's final 70 mile stage in the Glens of Antrim should prove spectacular as the main contenders battle it out for the last and most important “Yellow Jersey” of the race. The stage begins in Ballymena at 10 am and takes in climbs at Shanes Hill, Ballyvaddy Road and Glenariff before finishing back in Ballymena at Fry’s Road at approximately 12-45.

FULL GALLERY OF STAGE 3 BY MARIAN LAMB CAN BE VIEWED BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW

VIEW GALLERY OF TOUR OF THE NORTH STAGE 3 2010 BY MARIAN LAMB

Report Tommy Lamb
Pics Marian Lamb

RESULTS: Tour of the North Stage 3 Limavady
1. Matt Cronshaw (Rapha Condor) 3-22-12
2. Hamish Haynes (VC Ecosse)
3. Conor Murphy (Eurocycles)
4. Tom Last (Sigma Sport)
5. Niki Devoldere (Decock Sportivo)
6. Stephen Barrett (Planet X)
7. Conor McAllister (Ulster-D.McCall-Slane Cycles)
8. Stephen Gallagher (Sigma Sport) All ST
9. Alex De Lange (WV Kannibaal) @ 7 secs
10. Philip Lavery (Ulster-D.McCall-Slane Cycles) @ 1-32

General Classification
1. Hamish Haynes (VC Ecosse) 6-18-33
2. Tom Last (Sigma Sport) @ 6”
3. Conor McAllister (Ulster-D.McCall-Slane Cycles) @ 8”
4. Niko Devoldere (Decock – Sportivo) @ 15”
5. Philip Lavery (Ulster-D.McCall-Slane Cycles) @ 1’ 19”
6. Dean Downing (Rapha Condor) @ 1’ 26”
7. Adam Armstrong (Eurocycles) @ 1’ 47”
8. Dean Windsor (Rapha Condor) @ 1’ 49”
9. Ben Greenwood (Rapha Condor) @ 2’ 02”
10. Jack Pullar (Herbalife-Wheelbase) @ 2’ 07”

Provisional Results pending appeal are available for download by clicking the link below

Tour of the North Stage 3 results 2010