Main Pic: Donegal’s Odhran Doogan in the yellow jersey of Rás Tailteann. Image credit: Rás Tailteann on X.
Donegal cyclist Odhran Doogan has maintained his lead in Rás Tailteann after today’s third stage.
Yesterday Doogan became the first man from County Donegal to ever lead Ireland’s most prestigious road cycling race in its 70-year history, while at the same also leading the race in overall points, the U23 classification, and being the top county rider after day two of the event.
The Team Cycling Ulster rider rocked the leader’s yellow jersey as Stage 3 got underway this afternoon, a challenging 163km route from Cong to Miltown Malbay with a number of category 2 and 3 climbs on the way for the riders to navigate.
Doogan was a threat throughout at the head of the peloton, and lead the charge to chase down George Peden’s breakaway within the last 10km of the stage.
With the peloton catching the breakaway with a few kilometers to go, a frantic sprint decided the stage, which was won by Tim Shoreman of wheelbase.
Doogan stayed with the lead pack in the sprint to record a top 10 finish in the provisional results, meaning he will keep the yellow jersey for another day.
He holds a slender 3 second advantage over Matteo Cigala, who was second in today’s stage, and a 6 second lead over third and fourth placed Sebastian Brenes and George Kimber respectively.
Saturday and Sunday will see the final two stages of the 2025 Rás Tailteann take place, with tomorrow’s stage seeing some more challenging climbs for the riders to negotiate as they travel between Ennis and Mountrath.
