Paudi O'Brien of Dan Morrissey/Speedy-Spokes has won the opening stage of the Rás Mumhan.
One hundred and sixty three cyclists from Ireland, England, the Isle of Man, the Netherlands, Italy and France faced the starter for stage one of the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan four-day international cycle race in Killorglin on Friday.
Three riders went clear after thirty kilometers and they built up a lead of 47 seconds at one stage of the escape.
A hectic chase from the main field whittled down their advantage and they were caught with 10kms to go in the 100kms stage.
O'Brien was best in the massive bunch sprint to finish in Killorglin, which was packed with spectators who had turned up to watch the cyclists, and they were treated to a real spectacle with O'Brien finishing in prime position.
Second over the line was Dutch rider Denis Bakker and third was local man Daniel Clifford in the colours of DID/Dunboyne CC.
Kerry Group Rás Mumhan:
Stage 1: Killorglin/Castleisland/Killorglin: 100kms.
1 Paudi O'Brien (Dan Morrissey/Speedy-Spokes) 2hrs.18mins47seconds
2 Dennis Bakker (Ruiter Dakkapellen/Holland) same time
3 Daniel Clifford (DID/Dunboyne CC) st
4 Michael Hennessy (Fermoy) st
5 John Lynch (Murphy Surveyors/Apex Builders/Kilcullen CC)st
6 Eugene Moriarty (DID/Dunboyne CC) st
YELLOW: Paudi O'Brien
Points: Paudi O'Brien
Under-23: Dennis Bakker
Mountains: Conor Murphy (Eurocycles)
Category 2: Eoghan Considine (Black Rose)
Saturday's stage-Dingle-Conor Pass after 126kms.
