Gallagher takes slender lead in Rás

Cycling : Stephen Gallagher secured ownership of the yellow jersey in today's second stage of the FBD Insurance Rás.

Cycling: Stephen Gallagher secured ownership of the yellow jersey in today's second stage of the FBD Insurance Rás.

Gallagher, representing the An Post team, finished third in Claremorris after the 167km trek from Ballinamore to take the overall lead in the eight-stage race.

The Co Armagh racer came home behind the British pair of Dean Downing and Evan Oliphant, and holds a narrow one second lead over Downing in the overall standings.

"To come home with the yellow jersey was fantastic for us today," An Post team manager, Kurt Bogaerts, said afterwards.

"Stephen did well yesterday and he got the yellow jersey today with a good third placed finish and Mark Cassidy was behind him in fourth. It was a good day for the team so we need to keep the consistency now."

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter