Cycling:Frenchman Nicholas Baldo extended his lead to 13 seconds at the head of the field with a win on stage six of the An Post Rás at Killybegs on a day when amateur rider Adam Armstrong grabbed Ireland's first podium finish of the race.
ArThe Switzerland Atlas Jakroo team member crossed the line 10 seconds ahead of Krister Hagen (Norway Oneco-Mesterhus), with Irish amateur rider Armstrong (Dublin Euro Cycles) producing a great ride in third. Baldo holds his lead from yesterday’s stage winner Thomas Rostollon (France AVC Aix En Provence).
After a punishing day of racing over mountainous terrain yesterday there were certainly going to be plenty of fatigued legs as the riders faced the daunting route to Killybegs. Once again the riders faced a tough category one climb in the shape of Glengesh, in addition to three category two climbs at Meenirroy, Bogagh and Bavin.
The first 50 kilometres of today’s route from Buncrana was relatively flat with Irish duo of Philip Lavery active Fiachra O’Muire to the fore.
It was at the 80 kilometre mark, coming into Glenties, when the first major break occurred. A trio of Remi Sarreboubee, 2009 winner Simon Richardson and Frederick Johansson pushing ahead to establish a one minute 25 second lead as they made their way to Ardara.
They were finally caught on the steep hairpin bends near Glengesh, while further back Baldo was chasing hard to catch the bunch after suffering a puncture.
With four kilometres to go Baldo jumped clear, opening up a five second lead, and riding home in style ahead of a big bunch of chasers including Irishman Armstrong.
The young amateur rider took the honour of best county rider once more and also the first Irishman to finish on the podium in this year’s Rás.
“I’m over the moon. After such a hard day yesterday I was expecting to just hang on at this stage but I’m recovering well after each stage and feeling really strong,” said Armstrong.
“To finish third in the Rás is a great achievement for me considering I’m just an amateur rider racing against professionals of this pedigree and it’s usually at this stage in the race that the pros show their class but I kept riding hard and I’m showing great consistency,” Armstrong added.
When asked on how he felt about being the leading county rider, he admitted it gave him a great sense of pride.
“It means a lot to me. At the moment I’m riding at an amateur level and it’s only a hobby to me. I’m back on night shift on Monday night but I think I’ve proven this week that I’m capable of competing at a higher level.”