An post rs thanks tipperary for another incredible show of support
Only a few weeks ago the peloton worked their way through the roads of Tipperary for an incredible stage two finish of An Post Rás and race organiser Tony Campbell commended the magnificent support that the riders received along the route.
“We would just like to extend a huge ‘Thank You’ to the supporters of the Rás at the Tipperary stage – it was nothing short of phenomenal. As the riders entered the town, the streets were bustling with people cheering the riders on – it gave the riders such a lift after a long and gruelling couple of days in the saddle. I’d just like to thank the local community, the organisers and the volunteers for doing a magnificent job. It really was a memorable stage two finish.”
The stage itself spanned for 137 kilometres and was filled with exciting attacks and impressive breakaways, none more so than former professional footballer Bryan McCrystal (Team Asea). The Dundalk rider heroically led for the majority of the stage before falling agonisingly short with five kilometres to go. New Zealander and An Post rider, Aaron Gate went on to take the stage victory with a pulsating bunch sprint to the line and was thrilled with the finish.
“It was a lightning fast finish, coming off the last climb with a tail wind. The final ascent was tough so I’m absolutely delighted that I managed to get over it and from there I received a great lead out from Josh Edmondson. The crowd cheering as I came to the final few kilometres were superb and spurred me on to get me over the line” said Gate.
Lukas Postlberger (Tirol Cycling Team) took over the Yellow Jersey on the stage and held out for another six days to win the overall classification. New Zealander, Aaron Gate (An Post Chain Reaction) took home the green Points jersey while his teammate, Aidis Kruopis claimed the King of the Mountains. Another An Post Chain Reaction rider, Ryan Mullen, won the Under-23 classification while Ian Richardson’s (UCD) superb week saw him crowned as best County Rider, a jersey he held for the full eight days, an incredible feat.