Italian champion wins Tour of Ireland

Three-time Italian national time trial champion, Marco Pinotti, has won the 2008 Tour of Ireland after a storming last stage from Killarney to Cork in glorious late summer sunshine.

It was a spectacular victory for Pinotti who came into the stage 18 seconds behind leader Russell Downing and, with only 15 kilometers to race, both riders were part of a 10-man chase group.

At that stage it looked as if Downing would hang on to the yellow jersey, but Pinotti had other ideas and launched himself off the front with just over five kilometres left to race.

Downing tried to reel him back but the Italian had too much in his legs and hung on for a thrilling victory in front of thousands of fans.

The news of Pinotti’s victory will no doubt be a relief to the much maligned sport as not only is Pinotti one of the most likeable and friendliest of cyclists on the professional circuit, but he is one of the biggest advocators of a no-drugs sport.