Britain's Alex Pritchard wins opening stage of Rás Tailteann

Defending champions Dillon Corkery and fellow Team Ireland rider Odhran Doogan were at the head of the peloton, netting fourth and fifth 23 seconds back.

WINNER: Alex Pritchard of the Richardsons Trek DAS team wins the opening stage. Pic: Lorraine O’Sullivan

Britain's Alex Pritchard produced a sensational performance and emerged victorious on the opening stage of the Rás Tailteann.

Pritchard (UK: Richardsons Trek DAS) battled until the very end to stay ahead of second-placed Paul Kennedy (USA: Skyline-Cadence) and third-placed Dom Jackson (UK: Foran CC) to the line after they were clear for much of the 147.6km stage from Tullamore to the finish line in south Limerick.