The An Post Chain Reaction celebrated their second stage win in as many days at the Rás yesterday on a savage day that saw the field split to pieces.

Just 24 hours after An Post Rás yellow jersey wearer Francesca Reda was thrown off the race for receiving an illegal tow, his teammate Matteo Malucelli of Team IDEA 2010 ASD claimed stage 3 into Bearna yesterday.

It promises to be one of the most gruelling editions of the race in recent years and yesterday, at the official launch of the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan in Killorglin, a stellar lineup was revealed, with teams from Holland, England, the Isle of Man and France to converge on Kerry over the Easter weekend.