Fox wins Rás stage as Daire Feeley suffers costly crash

Matthew Fox [Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli] took his second consecutive stage win at Rás Tailteann on Friday as overnight race leader Conor McGoldrick [Trek Richardsons DAS] retained the yellow jersey on a drama-filled afternoon on the road to Castlebar, Co Mayo.

The biggest story of the day involved defending champion and major Irish hope Daire Feeley crashing hard and losing almost 10 minutes.

He'd been looking very good inside the top 10 overall going into today's flat 151km stage from Ennis, but he came down in one of several incidents that marred an otherwise thrilling stage.

The 26-year-old had to be treated by paramedics for his injuries at the conclusion of the stage. And though he managed to complete the day’s racing, meaning he can continue tomorrow if able to do so, he lost significant time.

Another of the big Irish contenders, Conn McDunphy [Cycling Leisnter] is also out of the General Classification picture as he lost 1'34" which sees him drop down to 14th overall, almost two minutes down.

McGoldrick and his Trek Richardsons DAS team were given a hell of a scare today as they found themselves on the wrong side of a very dangerous split in the peloton and at one stage, a group of almost 30 riders was up the road and putting daylight into them behind.

Up front were a number of the big hitters, including the aforementioned Feeley, third place overall Joe Laverick [Derry/Foyle CC], fourth place overall and best-placed Irish rider Cormac McGeough [Good Guys Racing NYC], as well as second place Dan Gardener [Embark Spirit].

It was in all of their best interests to contribute to the move which had McGoldrick on the ropes behind, but he summoned all of his strength to drag the leaders back and get back on level terms.

That