Ian Wilkinson took both the stage win and the leader's yellow jersey in the second stage of the Ras today.
The Halfords Bikehut rider was part of a four-man escape group that also included Simon Richardson (Rapha Condor), Mads Christensen (Denmark Designa Kokken) and David O'Loughlin (An Post-Sean Kelly).
The 178km stage from Wexford to Cobh was hilly with three categorised climbs, which, combined with a strong headwind wreaked havoc on the peloton, splitting it to pieces.
Wilkinson, who started the day fourth overall, managed to escape from the break with Richardson.
Wilkinson attacked hard in the final kilometre, the last 500 metres of which were very steep, pulling away from Richardson but gained just five seconds on him on the line.
Erstwhile race leader Niko Eeckhout lost almost nine minutes on the stage and all chance of an overall victory.
STAGE TWO RESULTS:
1. Ian Wilkinson (Halfords Bike Hut) 4-56-11
2. Simon Richardson (Rapha Condor) at 0-14
3. Mads Christensen (Designa Kokken) at 3-03
4. Rune Jogert (Giant-Veolia) at 3-38
5. Jan Barta (Arbo KTM Junkers)
6. Bert Roesems (Cinelli-Down Under)
7. Darren Lapthorne (Rapha Condor) all same time
8. Ole Jorgen Jensen (Giant-Veolia) at 3-49
9. Alexander Gottfried (Kuota-Indeland) at 6-57
10. James Spragg (Trek Marco Polo) at 6-58
OVERALL CLASSIFICATION:
1. Ian Wilkinson (Halfords Bike Hut) 7-49-18
2. Simon Richardson (Rapha Condor) at 0-19
3. Mads Christensen (Designa Kokken) at 3-08
4. Rune Jogert (Giant-Veolia) at 3-43
5. Darren Lapthorne (Rapha Condor) at 3-43
6. Bert Roesems (Cinelli-Down Under)
7. Jan Barta (Arbo KTM Junkers)
8. Ole Jogen Jenson (Giant-Veoila) all at 3-54
9. Alexander Gottfried (Kuota-Indeland) at 7-02
10. James Spragg (Trek Marco Polo) at 7-03
RELATED LINKS
Stage one
FBD Insurance Ras: The Big Preview
EXTERNAL LINKS
Official race website: www.fbdinsuranceras.com
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