Stannard looks strong in Junior Tour

THE Martin Donnelly Junior Tour arrived in Carrick-on-Suir last night with no change to the overall positions.

Overnight leader Ian Stannard from Britain was never concerned for his position as the race leader on a course which suited the ability of the climbers.

After the first lap of three on a local course which included the Carney's Road hill, the pattern of the race emerged when Daniel Martin, Ben Swift, Marcus Tracey (Killarney CC), Rob Ellden (Wales), Derek Burke (Swords McNally-Joinery), Ruud Beerten (Holland) and Peter Williams (Team North West BCF) swept into the lead.

However, they were never more than 40 seconds ahead of the bunch and on the final lap, Martin exerted pressure on his breakaway companions which saw them peel off the break in quick succession.

Martin had an advantage of 25 seconds, but there was real urgency in the bunch. Thankfully for him the finishing line arrived before he was swallowed up yards after the finish.

Sadly, for the Junior Champion, Maurice O'Brien from Kanturk, his opportunity disappeared when he punctured when the pace was at its fiercest.