Kieran Page of the Britain squad retained his overall lead after last night's 52 mile stage of the Junior Tour in Milltown near Newbridge. Page who won Tuesday's Opening four kilometre prologue in Howth, was actually delayed behind a crash in the closing stages, but as the altercation occurred within the final kilometre the time difference is not taken into account.
Indeed there was double cause for celebration for the British camp, as not only in did they succeed in defending Page's lead but David Heaven unleashed a powerful sprint which saw him take the stage. Heaven won two stages in the 1999 race and on the basis of last night's display is certainly capable of adding more to his tally before Sunday's final stage.
As for Page he is quietly confident about his chances. "We are just taking it day by day, but I hope to keep holding onto the jersey. Saturday's mountainous stage is the big one, but that should suit me fine," he said.
Tim Cassidy of the Stena Ireland squad was fifth on yesterday's stage and remains best placed of the Irish overall. Today's stage, starting at 6.30 p.m., takes place in Balbriggan where 10 laps of a 4.5 mile circuit will be covered.
Result: 1, D Heaven (Brit); 2, M Boven (Holland Buitenlust); 3, H Meulenbroeks (Tempo BMV Veldmoen); 4, S Ward (S G Bollington); 5, T Cassidy (Ireland Stena Lines); 6, L Hobbs (Wales) all same time.
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