|
Murphy Wins Tour Of Ulster Stage 2
Crannog Ireland’s Conor Murphy won Saturday's tough mountainous stage of the Tour of Ulster in devastating style but it was Belfast’s David McCann who donned the race leader's yellow jersey after almost 90 miles in the saddle.
Murphy was part of a six man break which escaped the 100 strong field early in the race after Crumlin.
As the race headed for the Sperrin Mountains this group gained over 2 minutes on the main bunch but the whole race fragmented on the climb at Moneyneana. Murphy and Kerryman Eugene Moriarty (Cycleways|) forged ahead but with 10 miles remaining to the finish in Strabane Murphy attacked on his own and stayed clear to the line.
Meanwhile McCann had taken up the chase and came in second cutting Murphy’s winning deficit to just 40 seconds. However, it was enough to take the overall lead on General Classification from Saturday’s stage winner John Dempsey (Carrick-Dan Morrissey).
Ballymena rider Ryan Connor leads the Irish News sponsored Espoir category. The 22-year-old finished the stage in fifth place moving into second place overall just 26 seconds adrift of McCann who competes for the professional Giant Asia outfit.
Other pics of the race can be viewed by clicking the gallery link below
VIEW FULL GALLERY
Results Stage 2 Craigavon – Strabane 88 miles
1. Conor Murphy (Crannog Ireland) 3-21-30
2. David McCann (Team Giant Asia) @ 40 secs
3. Eugene Moriarty Cycleways) @ 54 secs
4. Martin Ford (Isle of Man) st
5. Ryan Connor (Ballymena RC) @ 57 secs
6. Andy Roche (Isle of Man) @ 58 secs
7. Brian Keane (Dublin Wheelers) @ 1-26
8. Sean Lacey (West Clare) st
9. Tommy Evans (Planet X) st
10. Daniel Lynch (Crannog Ireland) st
Overall General Classification
1. David McCann (Team Giant Asia) 6-5-12
2. Ryan Connor (Ballymena) @ 26 secs
3. Andy Roche (Isle of Man) @ 27 secs
4. Tommy Evans (Planet X) @46 secs
5. John Dempsey (Carrick) @ 46 secs
6. Brian Truman (Carrick) @ 54 secs
7. Sean Lacey (West Clare) @ 55 secs
8. Michael Hennessey (Cork Select) @ 55secs
9. Greg Swinard (Usher –Irish RC) @55 secs
10. Conor Murphy (Crannog Ireland) @ 1-15
Tour of Ulster Stage 2 GC Sheet
Return |
