Matthew Fox [Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli] took his second consecutive stage win at Rás Tailteann on Friday as overnight race leader Conor McGoldrick [Trek Richardsons DAS] retained the yellow jersey on a drama-filled afternoon on the road to Castlebar, Co Mayo.
The biggest story of the day involved defending champion and major Irish hope Daire Feeley crashing hard and losing almost 10 minutes.
He'd been looking very good inside the top 10 overall going into today's flat 151km stage from Ennis, but he came down in one of several incidents that marred an otherwise thrilling stage.
The 26-year-old had to be treated by paramedics for his injuries at the conclusion of the stage. And though he managed to complete the day’s racing, meaning he can continue tomorrow if able to do so, he lost significant time.
Another of the big Irish contenders, Conn McDunphy [Cycling Leisnter] is also out of the General Classification picture as he lost 1'34" which sees him drop down to 14th overall, almost two minutes down.
McGoldrick and his Trek Richardsons DAS team were given a hell of a scare today as they found themselves on the wrong side of a very dangerous split in the peloton and at one stage, a group of almost 30 riders was up the road and putting daylight into them behind.
Up front were a number of the big hitters, including the aforementioned Feeley, third place overall Joe Laverick [Derry/Foyle CC], fourth place overall and best-placed Irish rider Cormac McGeough [Good Guys Racing NYC], as well as second place Dan Gardener [Embark Spirit].
It was in all of their best interests to contribute to the move which had McGoldrick on the ropes behind, but he summoned all of his strength to drag the leaders back and get back on level terms.
That paved the way for a rather hectic run-in which saw several riders hit the deck - including Feeley, and the ensuing bunch sprint which was won by Fox from Ireland´s Dillon Corkery in second and Finn Crockett [Derry/Foyle CC] rounding out the stage podium.
McGoldrick is still the man to beat, but after using up much energy today to peg back a number of groups, he´s definitely more vulnerable now and down on his reserves.
Just four seconds back is Dan Gardner [Embark Spirit BSS] in second, while just two more seconds behind him is Joe Laverick [Derry/Foyle CC].
Double stage winner Fox holds a one point lead over McGoldrick in the race for the green Points jersey, but the latter has all but sewn up the polka dot jersey as leader of the King of the Mountains Classification.
Aaron Wade [Irish National Team] is in possession of the Best U23 jersey, while McDunphy is still the best County rider, though Paul Kennedy is closing in on him in second at just 1'34" back.
Tomorrow´s penultimate stage takes the riders from Charlestown to Monaghan for the longest leg of this year´s race; a whopping 176km trek which features mainly flat roads and passes through Tulsk, Strokestown and Longford.
The race then makes a directional change northward in Longford, with some undulating roads through Cavan and three category three climbs before a relatively flat run-in from Clones to Monaghan town.
The final twist of the stage is a 300m uphill drag to the line just outside Monaghan Cathedral.
