Matthew Fox of the UK: Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team claims back-to-back stage victories on Stage 3 of Rás Tailteann

Matthew Fox of the UK: Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team claims back-to-back stage victories on Stage 3 of Rás Tailteann 

Fox celebrates winning stage 3 in Castlebar (Images: Lorraine O'Sullivan)

Matthew Fox of the UK: Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team won today’s FBD Insurance sponsored stage 3 after again proving fastest in a sprint victory after 149.3km of racing.

Second over the line was Dillon Corkery of Team Ireland followed by Finn Crockett of Derry: Foyle CC. The general classification remains unchanged as Conor McGoldrick of UK: Trek Richardson continues to wear the Bective Stud yellow jersey leading by 4 seconds over Dan Gardener of UK: Embark Spirit followed by Joseph Laverick of the Derry: Foyle CC team in third.

McGoldrick also continues to lead the Cycling Ireland KoH classification, while the City Break Apartments points classification is now led by Matthew Fox of Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli following back-to-back victories over the last two days. Richard Maes of Cork: All-Human Velo Revolution was first county rider home today and winner of the Festina County Rider award.

Conn McDunphy of Cycling Leinster continues to wear the Sport Ireland county rider jersey following his placing today. Aaron Wade of Team Ireland also continues to lead the Spin 11 U23 classification.

How it Unfolded

Today’s stage 3 of Rás Tailteann 2023 saw the riders faced with a 149.3km journey from Ennis to Castlebar which featured 2 categorised climbs.

After a ceremonial start in Ennis town centre, the race commenced and maintained a blistering pace averaging 48km over the first two hours of racing. Although there were many attempts to escape the peloton, nothing significant was sticking until a large crash at the front of the race on the approach to Tuam offered riders a rare opportunity to gain a quick advantage.

14 riders pushed out an advantage of 35 seconds which included second and third place riders on GC; Dan Gardener of Embark Spirit and Joseph Laverick of Derry: Foyle CC. The yellow jersey Conor McGoldrick showed his class over the following 30km leading the chase and eventually reeling in the leaders with 40km of racing remaining.

After a large crash occurred with 4km remaining, a depleted peloton entered Castlebar to sprint for stage victory honours. Matthew Fox of UK: Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli proved strongest again as he sprinted to victory after 149.3km of racing. Dillon Corkery of Team Ireland snatched a great result in second followed by Finn Crockett of Derry: Foyle CC in third.

All general classification riders including the race leader Conor McGoldrick finished safely in the leading group.

Tomorrow’s stage 4 sees the riders take on the longest stage of this year’s Rás Tailteann – 175.9km from Charlestown to Monaghan featuring 3 categorised climbs.