Brochner claims An Post Rás opener

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Danish rider Nicolai Brøchner (Riwal Platform) secured a hard fought opening stage victory on this year's An Post Rás, narrowly leading a breakaway of three riders over the finish line in Longford town.

Bakker (Delta Cycling Rotterdam) finished in second place, with An Post Chain Reaction's Polish sprinter Przemyslaw Kasperkiewicz taking third, just ahead of Thomas Rostollan (Armee de Terre).

Kasperkiewicz sparked the breakaway 40km into the 143km opening stage, and was followed by Rostollan and Bakker. Alexandre Blain (Britain Madison Genesis), Brøchner and Ireland's Chris Glinchey (Cycling Ulster) made it six, and built up a lead of two minutes on the bunch, despite losing Blain and Glinchey losing touch after the first hour.

The remaining four held off the chasing peloton by 16 seconds, and Rostollan jumped first in the finale, only to be trounced by Nielsen.

"It's an amazing feeling. I worked hard to stay in the break and thankfully I had enough in my legs to just about make it to the line ahead of the others. It was a really enjoyable stage and I can't wait for tomorrow already," Brøchner said.

Brief Results