Delight for Downing with Tour win

Published: Sunday, 23 August 2009, 4:14PM

Joker Bianchi's Lars Petter Nordhaug won the third and final stage of the Tour of Ireland - but it was Britain's Russell Downing who grabbed overall victory in Cork City. It was a perfect way for Downing to celebrate his 31st birthday.

The Candi TV - Marshalls Pasta rider sprinted to victory on Stage 1 and claimed a deserved success in the general classification, having gone close to achieving the feat last year.

He was second to Nordhaug on Stage 3. As they crossed the finish line at a rain-sodden St Patrick's Hill, Downing knew he had victory wrapped up. He had boasted an advantage of 26" over Nordhaug at the start of the Stage 2.

Australian Matt Wilson of Team Type 1 took the KOM classification, while Matti Breschel of Team Saxo Bank took the Best Young Rider award.

The peloton had set off from a rainy Bantry on Sunday morning and a lively pace was set, with Bernard Eisel (Columbia HTC), amongst others, launching a solo attack.

Soon a 21-man break was formed, including the likes of Marco Pinotti (Team Columbia - HTC), Stuart O'Grady (Team Saxo Bank) and Jay Thomson (MTN Cycling). With 44km gone, the peloton regrouped, only for another breakaway to form - this time with yellow jersey Downing in close attendance.

Team Columbia and Cervélo Test Team took the initiative before Stuart O'Grady (Team Saxo Bank), Jetse Bol (Rabobank) and Thomson went off the front. Thankfully for the riders, the rain stopped as the three-man break built a 45-second lead.

O’Grady led through the sprint at Kinsale, ahead of the Category 3 climb at Ballybane. Jef Peeters (An Post Sean Kelly Team) was first over the top of that.

The riders soon entered the climactic finishing circuit, with the rain lashing down once more. Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong abandoned, but the pace was fierce at the front of the bunch.

Nordhaug and Downing were among the attackers at the head of the field - with Matti Breschel also making a break for it. But Downing held his position well - and as he and Nordhaug crossed the line together, Downing knew he'd sealed victory.