Distance: 149.2km | Winner: Tim Shoreman (Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli)
A dramatic day ends with a repeat winner in Miltown Malbay
Stage 3 of Rás Tailteann 2025 delivered drama, attacks, and high-speed action across the Wild Atlantic Way as the peloton tackled a demanding 164km route from Cong to Miltown Malbay. Despite early rain, foggy cliffs, and relentless attacking, it was Tim Shoreman (Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli) who sprinted to his second stage victory of the race, backing up his Stage 1 win in style.
The stage began wet and fast, with the peloton covering 133.5km in just three hours — an average of 44.5km/h — as they passed through Athenry, Kinvara, and the Burren Lowlands. Multiple riders attempted to break clear, including Dean Harvey (Team Ireland), who bridged to the breakaway on the road to Ardrahan. George Peden (Team PB Performance) and Evan Keane (Pinergy-Orwell) were among early chasers, while Cormac McGeough (Canel’s - Java) was forced to drop back for a bike change.
The race exploded on Corkscrew Hill (Cat 2), where Harvey surged clear solo and crested the climb first, with Tim Shoreman, Conn McDunphy, Will Tidball, Daire Feeley, and Jordan Giles rounding out the KOM points.
Despite Harvey’s aggression, he was caught after Corkscrew, and a lead group of around 60 riders reformed heading toward Lisdoonvarna and the Doonagore Cross (Cat 3) climb. Jude Taylor led the way over the top, followed by Adam Lewis, Jamie Meehan, and Odhran Doogan.
The race continued along the stunning but foggy Cliffs of Moher, where Adam Lewis took top points in the final KOM of the day, ahead of Jamie Meehan, Danylo Riwnyj, Odhran Doogan, Pau Doménech Callau, and Will Tidball.
With 15km to go, the tension rose. Yellow jersey Odhran Doogan (Cycling Ulster) marked every move, but attacks kept coming — notably from George Peden, who briefly held a 13-second advantage before being reeled in. As the race surged into Miltown Malbay, the final sprint loomed where Shoreman showed his strength to take his second victory in three days.
Stage 3 Top 5:
1.Tim Shoreman (Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli)
2.Matteo Cigala (Dan Morrissey - Pissei)
3.Sebastian Brenes (Canel’s - Java)
4.Matthew Teggart (Banbridge CC)
5.Charles Page (Foran CT)
General Classification (Top 3):
1.Odhran Doogan (Cycling Ulster)
2.Matteo Cigala (Dan Morrissey - Pissei)
3.Sebastian Brenes (Canel’s - Java)
Jersey Holders:
•Bective Stud, Tea Rooms and Apartments Yellow Jersey (GC): Odhran Doogan – Cycling Ulster
•City Break Apartments Green Jersey (Points): Tim Shoreman – Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli
•Irish Independent King of the Mountains Jersey: Adam Lewis
Team Skyline
•Spin 11 U23 Jersey: Odhran Doogan – Cycling Ulster
•Sport Ireland County Rider: Odhran Doogan – Cycling Ulster
•FBD Insurance Stage Winner Jersey: Tim Shoreman – Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli
•Festina Daily County Award: Matteo Cigala (Dan Morrissey - Pissei)
Quote of the Day:
"It was savage out there — full gas from Cong to the line." – Tim Shoreman
