Brilliant Bagdonas rules the Rás

GEDIMINAS BAGDONAS (An Post Sean Kelly) emerged as the overall winner of the An Post Rás, a mere 32 seconds ahead of Anatoliy Pakhtusov (Ukraine ISD-Lampre) on general classification after eight tough days.

David McCann (Asia Giant Kenda Cycling) won what is regarded as the most prestigious stage of the race into the seaside town of Skerries yesterday. The 2004 overall winner won in a nail-biting finish as the three minute lead he had built up en route from Kildare town was whittled down over two laps of a finishing circuit that incorporated the category 3 Black Hills climb.

In fact himself and Tobyn Horton (Britain Motorpoint) who escaped from the main field just 25 miles into the 83 mile stage were 3:10 ahead of the others crossing the finish line for the first time.