Deignan win ends Ireland's long Tour wait

Published on Thursday 17 September 2009 22:48

PHILIP Deignan ended Ireland's 17-year wait for a Grand Tour stage win when he sprinted to victory in the Tour of Spain yesterday.

The Cervelo professional easily outduelled fellow breakaway rider Roman Kreuziger of the Czech Republic on the rain-soaked streets of Avila at the end of a hilly 165km 18th stage.

Dane Jakob Fuglsang was third. Alejandro Valverde of Spain retains the overall lead with three days' racing remaining.

Kreuziger and Deignan, who were part of a 16-rider break, went clear on a fast downhill section 13km from the finish before the Irishman moved away to claim the second win of his five-year career.

"I was really nervous, I really didn't think I could win it (the 18th stage]," said Deignan. "I've only been in that situation a couple of times in my career."

"I thought Kreuziger would attack on a cobbled section just coming into the town, or sprint past me at the end, but he can't have had the legs," he added.

After several seasons in which Deignan has been troubled by knee injuries and glandular fever, the 26-year-old said taking this victory confirmed his career was back on track.

"I wasn't sure if it was possible for me to do so well, but this win is very important for my self-confidence." The first Irishman to win a Grand Tour stage since Stephen Roche in 1992, Deignan said it was a "big day for Irish cycling and I feel proud".

"We're having a great year and a win like this just caps it all off," he added.

Valverde leads Dutchman Robert Gesink by 32 seconds in the overall standings with another Spaniard, Samuel Sanchez, in third place at one minute 10 seconds.

The Tour of Spain finishes on Sunday in Madrid.