Gutsy Kenneally storms clear to claim sensational victory

BRIAN KENNEALLY (Myhome.ie/BD BC) was rewarded for his courage with a sensational victory after riding clear of the breakaway group a mile from the finish of yesterday’s 91 mile second stage of the FBD Insurance RÁS from Templemore to Loughrea.

And while the Pilltown man celebrated his success a new cycling legend may well have been introduced to racing fans as 20-year-old Ricardo Van der Velde, appearing in just his second stage race, took custody of the raceleader’s yellow jersey.

Yesterday, however, belonged to Kenneally, as he claimed his second ever stage victory in a race he has contested 11 times and it came after a period of uncertainty for the Pilltown man who was sidelined for a week, on antibiotics for cuts and anti inflammatory tablets for deep bruising after a high speed crash in the Shay Elliott Memorial a few weeks ago.