Downing takes overall Irish victory

Russell Downing has taken the overall victory in the Tour of Ireland after finishing second in the event last year. On that occasion Downing lost the lead in the final circuit up St. Patrick's Hill in Cork. He had no intention of letting the same thing happen twice in a row.

The final stage took place in torrential conditions at times, causing the number of finishing circuits in Cork to be reduced by one. At the start of these circuits a leading group had formed containing some of the main contenders such as Matti Breschel, Karsten Kroon, Mathias Frank and Marco Pinotti as well as race leader Downing. Alexandr Kolobnev joined on the second lap to make it three Saxo Bank riders in the group of eight.

Despite the numerical disadvantage Downing was able to mark all the attacks impressively, including one by Lars Petter Nordhaug which turned out to be the winning move. The two riders worked together to build a lead of over 30 seconds. Nordhaug took the stage victory and moved up to second overall. Downing did not contest the sprint as he wrapped up the overall victory in the appalling conditions where less than half the riders finished.

Result
1. Lars Petter Nordhaug - Joker-Bianchi
2. Russell Downing - CandiTV-Marshalls Pasta
3. Matti Breschel - Saxo Bank +33"

Overall
1. Russell Downing - CandiTV-Marshalls Pasta
2. Lars Petter Nordhaug - Joker-Bianchi +23"
3. Matti Breschel - Saxo Bank +43"

All Victories by Russell Downing