The opening stage of the Credit Union Junior Tour yesterday from Gorey to Enniscorthy went to Alain van Kaywijk of the Netherlands. At the end of the tough 55-mile course - which included the Mount Leinster climb - van Kaywijk led in Emmet Hogan of the Ireland team.

After 25 seconds elapsed Ian Childes of Cleveland Wheelers was third, ahead of Derek Finnegan (Telecom) and David Kenneally (Cork), with Mark Scanlon (Ireland) at the head of the next group of 16 at 42 seconds.

There were 92 starters but Mount Leinster eliminated many of them from the reckoning for overall honours. However, all four members of the Ireland team survived and are well in contention.

Last year's winner, Barry Twohig of the Ireland team, Oliver Nin (France) and Shane Prendergast (Amev) went ahead on the climb and led over the top at 20 miles but the majority were left struggling in arrears and there were big time gaps between groups at the finish.

A group of 18 got together on the descent and then at Kiltealy Hogan and van Kaywijk forged ahead. Their lead fluctuated between 25 and 55 seconds but they stayed clear and Hogan was ahead of his companion with a lap of the four-mile finishing circuit to go.

Approaching the finish Hogan took a tight line inside on the final corner but van Kaywich, whose father was a professional rider, swung wide and gained an advantage which he held to the line. So the Dutch lad has the first leader's jersey heading for Waterford today.

Stage one - (55 miles from Gorey to Enniscorthy) - 1, A van Kaywijk (Netherlands) 2:15:50; 2, E Hogan (Ireland) same time; 3, I Childes (Cleveland Wheelers) at 25 secs; 4, D Finnegan (Telecom); 5, D Kenneally (Cork) same time; 6, M Scanlon (Ireland) 42; 7, B Marien (Belgium); 8, J van Lair (Belgium); 9, D McQuaid (Ireland); 10, R Guillaume (France) all same time. Mountains - 1, B Twohig (Ireland); 2, O Nin (France); 3, S Prendergast (Amev).

John Blackwell (Kanturk) won the 70 miles Gene Moriarty memorial race at Listowel yesterday and although Raymond Clarke did not get a place in the top 10, he still leads the classic league. David Peelo was second and earned 12 points but Clarke is still on 55 to 43 for Peelo. It was also the second of nine events in the Kingdom series and Blackwell shares the lead with Saturday's winner at Killorglin, Andy Roche.