Downing wins Tour of Ireland

Russell Downing of the CandiTv-Marshalls Pasta team has won the 2009 Tour of Ireland today.

The Lancashire rider who today celebrates his 31st birthday was simply irresistible on the rain-soaked 185km trek from Bantry to Cork today.

The stage was won by Norwegian rider Peter Lars Nordhaug who along with Downing broke away from a group of nine riders on the final 15km circuit around Cork city.

Coming into the stage, Downing held a slender five-second advantage over Saxo Bank’s Alexander Kolobnev while Matti Breschel of the same team was also trailing by a similar advantage.

More than 10 riders were within touching distance of Downing earlier on today and even though several breaks were established in the early part of the race, none managed to stick - which was down to the strength of the Brit on the day.

Snubbed by the British cycling team for the upcoming World Championships, Downing said that his win “had hopefully put down a marker.

“I don’t know, we’ll have to wait and see, I haven’t made the official team but maybe that will change.”

Last year’s runner-up had come into this years race in bullish mood, eager to avenge last year’s heart-breaking finale where Marco Pinotti stole victory from under his nose.

Remarking on the race strategy for this year's edition, Downing admitted: “This was my top priority and I’m delighted to have pulled it off for myself. My legs were just amazing but I have to salute my team who were immense all through as well.”

Sadly, the torrential rain had a negative effect on the race resulting in the withdrawal of seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong as well as a host of other stars.

Philip Deignan was the best placed Irish rider on the stage, coming in 33 seconds down and slipping to 12th place on the overall.