Irish pair finish in main bunch

CYCLING ROUND-UP: ANDREI GREIPEL snagged his second stage win of this year's Vuelta a España yesterday when he beat Tom Boonen (Quick Step) plus the rest of the main field into Vinaros.

The German Columbia HTC rider took over the race lead from Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank) on what was a blistering hot day, and the first stage in this year’s race to be held in Spain.

Irish competitors Philip Deignan (Cervélo Test Team) and Daniel Martin (Garmin Slipstream) both finished in the main bunch, choosing not to sprint at the finish. They finished 102nd and 145th respectively.

Deignan had crashed on stage four but said that Wednesday’s rest day helped him recover. The only lingering effect was concern that he could get caught up in another incident.

“What happened in Liege made me wary today and I didn’t take any risks, especially coming into the last 10 kilometres,” he said. “I’m happy that I got through the day without any disasters.”

The race continues today with a lumpy 186 kilometre stage in and around Xàtiva, and is followed tomorrow by a flat time trial.

To women’s cycling, and six Irish competitors will take part in the Tour de l’Ardeche in France next week. Siobhán Dervan, Olivia Dillon, Heather Wilson, Michelle Geoghegan, Francine Meehan and Fiona Meade will line out in the event, which begins on Tuesday.

Dervan rode strongly in the recent Trophée d’Dor Féminin, finishing 14th overall and netting two 12th places on stages.

The race clashes with the Sneem Hotel Rás na mBán, the biggest stage race for Irish women. An Irish team has been formed for the event. Last year’s winner Louise Moriarty will be joined by Kate Rudd, Adrienne McCarthy and Heather Boyle, while a strong contingent of overseas riders will travel for the three-day contest. It begins this day next week.