With four professional teams present and a clutch of valuable world-ranking points up for grabs in this year's Ras, the race was certain to change somewhat. Three days into the event, some of the effects of the upgrade were obvious yesterday when the laurels were decided by a bunch sprint.

With the mass finish arising from the control exerted on the race by a few of the strong teams, most notably the Deutsche Telecom and British National squads, the contenders entered the streets of Castleisland en bloc to settle matters with a tussling bunch sprint.

First to the line was David Kopp, making it two in-a-row for the German outfit, with Tour of Italy stage-winner David McKenzie a close second and fast-finishing Irishman Eugene Moriarty third. Ireland-Shannon Oaks rider Morgan Fox was fourth for the second successive day and retains his green jersey of points leader and second position overall behind 19-year-old German Dirk Reichl.

In truth, the favourites are biding their time. Yesterday, only the weaker riders were weeded out by the first category ascent of Carrigeenina. After the descent four riders were able to slip clear; Irishman Eugene Moriarty, Stephen Cummings of the Britain squad, plus professionals Marek Blazej (Legia) and Erik Saunders (GS Ficonseils), but in truth their time up front was limited.

So too the attempt started by Waterford's Eddie O'Donoghue after 60 miles, bolstered by the strength of Welshmen Anthony Malarczyk and James Griffiths, Deeside's Chris Young and former Irish national champion Ray Clarke. These eked out a maximum lead of over 31/2 minutes, but once the Telecom and Britain squads combined forces their advantage tumbled. Cue a last-gasp courageous attack by Clarke, who succeeded in holding off the bunch for a further 13 miles.

With six miles remaining the unlucky rider was swallowed up, paving the way for a mass bunch sprint which frustrated McKenzie and Moriarty.