Glory for Ireland's Dan Martin in Volta a Catalunya
Dan Martin has become only the second Irishman to win the Volta a Catalunya after holding off the challenge of Joaquim Rodríguez in the final stage to win by 17 seconds.
Belgium’s Thomas de Gendt of Vacansoleil won the final stage – eight laps around the Alt de Montjuic in Barcelona – with Team Sky’s David Lopez finishing second.
De Gendt outsprinted Lopez, Robert Kiserlovski and Michele Scarponi to claim the final stage, with the Italian’s efforts today seeing him finish third, 34 seconds behind Martin.
Nairo Quintana came fourth 45 seconds off he pace, while Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins finished fifth, 54 seconds behind Martin.
Rodriguez made his move for the title on the final ascent of Montjuic, but the Irishman was more than a match for the Spaniard and followed suit finishing alongside him in the second group.
Sean Kelly won the event in 1984 and 1986.
Team Garmin rider Dan told RTE Radio: "It was so hard and so fast, but I got lucky and had really good legs today…I can't describe how happy I am right now."
