Tiernan-Locke wins fifth stage of FBD Rás

Jon Tiernan-Locke of the Rapha Condor Sharp team won today’s fifth stage of the FBD Insurance Rás from Tipperary Town to Seskin Hill, Carrick-on-Suir.

The 25-year-old British rider soloed to victory up the category-one summit finish on Seskin Hill in front of a huge gathering, besting Peter Williams of the Motorpoint Marshalls Pasta team by a mere nine seconds.

Tiernan-Locke said: "I was quite confident when we got inside the last two kilometres, it was a very steep climb to the finish. I knew it was steep but I never knew it was that steep.

"I had good legs today though and am thrilled to get this win for my team, it’s our first win of the week and hopefully we can push for more stages and maybe even the GC by the end of the week."

Third over the line was Josef Kugler of the Austrian based KTM Arbö KTM-Gebrüder Weis team while Mark Cassidy was the best placed Irish rider, placing fourth, some 19 seconds off the winner.

The result means Alexander Wetterhall (SPK Sweden - Team Sprocket Pro) holds the yellow jersey for a second night, with an eight-second advantage over the aforementioned Kugler.

Tiernan-Locke moves up to seventh place following his marvellous ride today while Conor McConvey is the best placed Irish rider in 6th position, one minute and 45 seconds back.

"I think he can be in contention," said An Post Manager Kurt Bogaerts, when asked if McConvey would thrive in the hiller final few stages.

"I think from this point onwards it is going to suit Conor better and better. He was the strongest of the team in the hills of the Tour of Besseges. Okay, he lacks race tactics, but he is clever enough and he learns every day. He is definitely a guy who I think has a chance."

McConvey also retains the jersey for best placed U23 rider.

David O’Loughlin - who won Tuesday’s stage into Oughterard - holds the pink jersey as King of the Mountains and with Cassidy also in contention for yellow, it’s a good week so far for the Belgian-based Irish boys.

Peter Williams of the Motorpoint Marshalls Pasta team holds the green jersey as points leader.

Tomorrow’s stage is slightly shorter that the last few days and goes 127 kilometres from Carrick-on-Suir to Gorey, Co. Wexford but is arguably the hardest of all the stages, with seven categorised climbs to negotiate.

As has been the case all week it should provide ample opportunities for the many teams in contention for yellow to attack. The race concludes on Sunday in Skerries.