Conor Dunne (Aqua Blue Sport) achieved one of the best results of his career today when he finished in second place on Stage 2 of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour in Victoria, Australia. Today’s performance follows on from his win in the King of the Mountains classification at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in Melbourne at the weekend.

The Irish rider finished 33″ down on Luke Rowe (Team Sky) on the 165.6-kilometre stage from Mt. Beauty to Beechworth. Both riders had been members of a 10-man breakaway who had gotten clear early on in the stage. He later outlined that it had been the team’s plan to ride aggressively on the stage.

“I felt good today, it was the plan for the team to be aggressive and we made sure we covered the early breakaway,” Dunne confirmed afterwards.

“It was good to make that move. The boys all rode really strongly, we were all covering it, different moves at the start. It just was me that slipped away.

“It always kind of looked it would go to the finish once we got our gap. I was feeling strong so I rode all in for the stage result.

Photo: Con Chronis
Photo: Con Chronis

“We had a seven kilometre climb about 12 kilometres from the finish. The break all split up there. There was about five of us at the front. Just going over the top Luke Rowe attacked and he was just super strong. I couldn’t get back on terms with him, I hit the remains of the break to solo away for second. I was happy to get a result for the team and hopefully we can try again in the coming days.

“I just want to say a huge thanks to the team, and especially Nicki, for helping me today. Nicki was a huge help in the car and on race radio.”

Photo: Con Chronis
Photo: Con Chronis

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