Kelly Benefit Strategies upbeat after strong Virginia showing

Kelly Benefit Strategies performance director, Jonas Carney, believes the squad's strong Tour of Virginia campaign will set it up well for this month's FBD Insurance Ras in Ireland. A consistent ride throughout the seven stage tour allowed the American Continental team's Dan Bowman to take second place on general classification, a nudge over one minute behind Caico's winner Javier Zapata.

"I was extremely excited by the attitude and performance of all six of our guys throughout the Tour of Virginia," said Carney. "Dan Bowman and Dominique Perras were the only two athletes in the pack capable of staying with the Colombians on the category one climbs, and our squad never stopped attacking or missed a break in any stage of the race."

In addition to Bowman's podium placing, teammates Dominique Perras and Nick Waite both finished in the top 20, in 12th and 19th sports respectively.

"The team is right on track for the Pro Cycling Tour in early June and ready for the FBD Ras in Ireland - where we'll continue having a strong year," added Carney.