An Post stamp class again but Irvine out of overall running

The An Post-Chain Reaction team made it three wins in four days at the Rás yesterday on another wretched day that saw Ireland’s Martyn Irvine drop out of the overall contention.

New Zealand track star Aaron Gate took his second stage win of the race following a hellish 142km from Newport to Ballina but it was the battle for General Classification that generated most debate.

Irish interest very much relied on Ryan Mullen and Irvine after a difficult opening four days and both were well poised around the top of the standings yesterday morning.