Francesco Reda, leader of Ireland's An Post Ras, has reportedly been disqualified from the race after hitching a tow on a team car after puncturing on stage two.
The Italian, riding for Team Idea 2010 ASD, took the leader's jersey on stage one after pulling clear from a two-man escape group on the stage from Dunboyne to Carlow on Sunday.
But after suffering a flat tyre on stage two to Tipperary, Reda reportedly clung on to the car as he attempted rejoin the peloton, a move outlawed by the commissaires.
Reda had only just returned from a doping ban when he won stage one, prompting debate on social media as to the legitimacy of the win itself.
The disqualification sees British-based riders Martyn Irvine (Madison-Genesis), Rob Partridge (NFTO) and Michael Cuming (JLT Condor) move up to second, third and fourth respectively.
The race continues until Sunday, May 24, with Monday's stage two won by Kiwi Aaron Gate of Sean Kelly's An Post - Chain Reaction squad.
-
-
Ethan Vernon to debut Hope TT bike at World Championship U23 time trial
First international appearance for the roadgoing version of the Great Britain Hope x Lotus track bike
By Simon Smythe •
-
Wout van Aert and Remco Evenepoel looking for extra one per cent at Worlds as task of beating Filippo Ganna looms
The Belgian duo hope for home advantage in order to defeat the Italian in the men's elite individual time trial
By Jonny Long •
-
Tweets of the week: Evie Richards tries skateboarding, Alex Dowsett's puncture nightmare and more
Here's a selection of our favourite tweets from the last seven days
By Alex Ballinger •
-
Strava finally add 'Gear' option to mobile app
The gear feature has previously only been available on web browser, but now you can list your gear from your phone
By Alex Ballinger •
-
Mark Cavendish spotted cycling in central London
Cavendish will race in the World Championships on Sunday 26 September, but needed to get some miles in his legs in London
By Ryan Dabbs •
-
Michael Valgren ends winning drought with two consecutive victories ahead of World Championships
The Danish EF Education-Nippo rider has won two races in consecutive days in Italy
By Ryan Dabbs •
-
Nominate your 2021 local hero - deadline extended to September 24
Nominate the person who makes your local cycling scene tick for our 2021 award
By Cycling Weekly •
-
Does your cycling club have what it takes to be named club of the year?
We're looking for the best cycling club in Britain to crown our club of the year at the 2021 CW awards.
By Cycling Weekly •
-
Cycling Weekly Awards 2021
Celebrating the best in road cycling - powered by Zwift
By Cycling Weekly •
-
Spanish pro launches social media tirade after race disqualification for illegal riding position
Jon Aberasturi adopted the prohibited 'super tuck' position during stage two of the Tour de Luxembourg
By Ryan Dabbs •
