Solid showing from Conn McDunphy, APS Pro Cycling by Team Cadence Cyclery, makes his mark on Stage 3 in his 1st Tour of Britain.
Another decent day for the Irish riders at the 2026 Tour of Britain, following Sam Bennett’s 3rd place on Stage 2.
It was great to see the 2020 Tour de France Green Jersey back on a podium for the first time since April this year, having taken 3 top ten finishes in the recent Renewi Tour.
The APS Pro Cycling by Team Cadence Cyclery lads started with clear intent, positioning themselves near the front after the jersey holders photo protocol. Cian Keogh was among the first to attack in the early kilometres as the race headed out from Hull along the East Yorkshire coast and into the Wolds.
A six-rider break formed and was given some room. Mountains leader Michal Schuran, Team United Shipping, took maximum points on the three category-3 climbs at Burton Road, Tire Ewe Hill and Keeper’s Hill. With the stronger winds failing to materialise, the race settled into a more controlled pattern.
So just under 50 km to go, Yorben Lauryssen, Tarteletto-Isorex, whose team had been active for much of the stage, went clear alone and built a lead of more than two minutes.
A short time later McDunphy attacked from the peloton in pursuit. It wasn’t a dramatic bridge or a race-changing move, but it was a purposeful effort from the 2026 Rás Tailteann winner on his first Tour of Britain.
McDunphy closed some of the gap without making contact and picked up intermediate sprint points on the first passage of the finish line in Beverley.
For a Continental team rider it was a solid piece of work that earned valuable screen time against the bigger squads.
Behind, Ryan Mullen was among those pulling at the front of the bunch for his NSN Cycling Team and race leader Lewis Askey.
McDunphy was brought back with a little over 10 km remaining, and Lauryssen was caught a few kilometres later on the final circuit. The Belgian took the combativity prize for his long solo effort.
Sam Bennett punctured at an awkward moment just after McDunphy‘s attack as the race intensified and took no part in the sprint.
Olav Kooij, Decathlon CMA CGM, won the stage, powering clear in the headwind on the rise to the line at Beverley Racecourse ahead of Tim Merlier and Axel Källberg. Askey retained the yellow jersey.
Irish results on stage 3
- Sam Bennett – Pinarello Q36.5, 67th at 12 seconds
- Conn McDunphy – APS Pro Cycling by Team Cadence Cyclery, 90th at 1:34
- Cian Keogh – APS Pro Cycling by Team Cadence Cyclery, 100th at 3:45
- Ryan Mullen – NSN Cycling Team, 101st at 3:45
- Ronan O’Connor – APS Pro Cycling by Team Cadence Cyclery, 105th at 3:49
McDunphy’s chase was a worthwhile personal performance from a Conti rider in a high-level race. The APS Pro Cycling by Team Cadence Cyclery trio of McDunphy, Keogh and O’Connor will no doubt continue to ride actively where opportunities arise, Mullen on team duties, and Bennett eying up Stage 5.
More chances perhaps not the Queen Stage 4, but Stage 5 on Sunday.
