DEFENDING CHAMPION Marcin Bialoblocki (Britain Velosure Giordana) saw off the challenge of Ian Bibby (Britain Madison Genesis) and Peter Williams (France Bretagne Velotec), who finished second and third respectively, to take a magnificent win on stage five of An Post Rás today.
The Polish rider led a breakaway of 11 riders over the line, finishing several minutes ahead of the main bunch featuring the yellow jersey leader Patrick Bevin. Clemens Fankhauser (Austria Tirol Cycling) was part of that lead group, crossing the line in fifth place and now becomes leader of the overall general classification.
Following yesterday’s punishing stage in the mountains, there was sure to be some tired legs this morning. Today’s route was less challenging but the riders still faced five categorised climbs before a fast finish in to Clonakilty.
Last year’s winner was exhausted but delighted at getting the stage win.
“Today went perfectly. I didn’t chase the guys when there was two or three kilometres to go. I sat at the back and waited. Bibby attacked at 600 metres to go and I managed to jump behind Peter (Williams) and he took me to the hill. I was on the good side and I just sprinted hard and managed to get by Bibby, so it’s a great win for me and the team.”
Bialoblocki now sits at 57 seconds behind new race leader Clemens, with Alex Peters lying in second place just 11 seconds behind. Bevin lost his claim to the yellow jersey today but managed to retain the points jersey. There was no change to the remaining classifications; King of the Mountains went to Alessandro Pettiti (Italy Team Idea) once more, while Peters and Sean Lacey (Cork City Aquablue) still wear the Under-23 and County jerseys respectively.
