26 May 2014

New Zealand cyclist claims sprint points honours in Ireland

11:16 am on 26 May 2014

New Zealand's Commonwealth Games track rider Patrick Bevin finished safely in the peloton to claim the sprint points honours in cycling's tour of Ireland.

Italy's David Ballerini remained as the sole rider to stay clear in the break for the final stage to Skerries north of Dublin, which finished with three loops in the town.

New Zealand teammates Cameron Karwowski and Hamish Schreurs worked hard to ensure Bevin was well placed for the points on offer on the stage.

Bevin worked his way to the leading group in the peloton, riding to the finish to protect his green jersey, which was reward for the eight days of hard work.

Yellow jersey leader Clemens Fankhauser (Austria) finished in the main bunch on the same time as nearest general classification rival Alex Peters (Britain) to be crowned this year's An Post Rás champion.

The New Zealand squad return to their base in Belgium today to continue their preparations towards the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games.