'It's a good job I played minor hurling' - Conn McDunphy survives final-day 'dirty tricks' to win Ras on home roads

Conn McDunphy won overall victory at Rás Tailteann while riding with the American-based APS Pro Cycling Team. Liam Flanagan won the second stage after a bunch sprint into Dunboyne. The 141km stage from Carlow to Dunboyne featured constant pressure on the team, but control was established on the final of three circuits. McDunphy supported Flanagan in the closing moments, helping him take the stage win. McDunphy described the stage as difficult and suggested other teams used dirty tactics. He crossed the line with the bunch to secure his first Rás victory after years of attempts, including a near miss in 2024 decided by stage placings countback.

"While his team were under constant pressure throughout today's 141km stage from Carlow to Dunboyne, they eventually got everything under control on the last of three circuits with McDunphy even having time to give his teammate Flanagan a hand to take his second stage win on the race."

""This last stage was a hard day," said stage winner Flanagan afterwards. "They didn't make it easy for us at all. Everyone who was anywhere around GC was full gas all day and really put us under pressure. When I flew in on Monday, we rode this course from Conn's house and today he brought me up in the last 500 metres and dropped me off on the front, so it was a pretty special day out.""

"Overall winner McDunphy echoed Flanagan's words about a tough stage, going so far as to hint at "dirty tactics from other teams during the stage" before saying that: "We'll leave that on the road - but let's just say it's a good job I played minor hurling.""

""It's pretty special to actually pull it off," said a relived McDunphy. "I'm absolutely delighted to have finally won it. I love to hate this race. You go all over the world and race in different places but there's nothing like the Rás. It's faster than any other race. The roads are heavier than any other race. With five-rider teams, there's just absolutely no control. We were on the back foot for a w""

Read at Irish Independent