Heavy rain lashes cyclists as Armstrong bows out

BRITISH cyclist Russell Downing won the Tour of Ireland race yesterday amid torrential downpour at St Patrick’s Hill in Cork but spectators near the finish line searched in vain for the icon of the sport Lance Armstrong who dropped out in the final stages.

The well-known cancer survivor and seven-time Tour De France winner who hails from Texas was treated to a traditional Irish summer’s day with sheets of rain his constant companion as he attempted to make the 185 kilometre journey from Bantry to Cork city. On his Twitter page yesterday the 37-year-old cyclist said it was a tough day for all involved in the near monsoon like weather.

“Rough day today on the bike. The ol’ back was not in a good way and St Patty’s Hill [St Patrick’s Hill] wasn’t looking too cozy.”