Joshua Edmondson picked up his first win for the An Post Chain Reaction team today after storming to victory on stage three of the Tour d’Azerbaidjan.

Edmondson, who rode for Team Sky in 2013 and 2014 before signing to the Irish outfit in January, made a late charge in the race in Gabala, after an original seven man breakaway was absorbed back into the field.

Airgas-Safeway rider Luis Lemus was left alone at the front before Edmondson launched his own attack, overtaking the Mexican with a few kilometres to go and finishing one second ahead of the surging peloton.

The victory has pushed Edmondson up to fifth overall in the general classification, something which has thrilled team manager Kurt Bogaerts.

“I am delighted for Josh, but more importantly for the team. This was a huge ride for us. There were some very strong teams involved at the finish and luckily Josh had the legs, and the talent to cross the line first”.

Despite the win, Bogaerts will be without Sean Downey for the final two days of racing, who pulled out due to sickness after stage one in Baku. The County Down native is now a doubt to make the team for An Post Rás on May 17th.

“Sean picked up an allergy and will miss the remaining couple of days racing. At the moment it’s touch and go whether he’ll be ready for the Rás, which leaves Ryan Mullen and Conor Dunne as my only fit Irish riders”.