Stage 2 of the 2025 Rás Mumhan, a challenging 116.1-kilometre route from Killarney to Portmagee, proved decisive for the general classification, with strong winds and relentless climbs shaping a thrilling day’s racing. Casper Rode (West Frisia) emerged victorious from a select three-rider group, while Jamie Whitcher (Composite Black) defended the yellow jersey with a powerful ride.

Featured image: Caroline Kerley

Report

Stage 2 of the Dornan Rás Mumhan provided dramatic racing the queen stage was always set to be decisive. Heavy rain throughout added to the challenging conditions, fragmenting the peloton and creating opportunities for aggressive riding.

The breakaway was initiated early in the stage, triggered by Daire Feeley (Burren CC) and Robin Mould (Foran CT) just 2km into the day. They were quickly joined by Lindsay Watson (Caldwell Cycles), Casper Rode (West Frisia), Ryan Christensen (Foran CC), Cameron McLaren (TAAP Kalas), Conal Scully (Dan Morrissey-Pissei), and Monte Guerrini (Composite Black). The group swelled slightly with additional riders bridging across later in the race, including McLaren’s teammate Ollie Hucks and Tom Martin (Spellman Dublin Port).

As the race entered its decisive phase, Whitcher also managed to bridge up solo to the lead group, thanks in part to his teammate Guerrini dropping back to assist him. Whitcher described the pivotal moments of the race, stating: “Harry Evan’s pacing on the way into the final sections set an incredible pace. I accelerated in the saddle away solo doing a 10-minute effort bridging over to the GC break. When I could see the break, Monte dropped back for me and carried me onto the back, which was a massive help.”

The final 10km saw a flurry of attacks, ultimately leaving Rode, Feeley, and Whitcher to contest the sprint finish. Whitcher recounted: “With 10km to go, Casper Rode attacked, and I chipped over with Daire Feeley on my wheel. We worked perfectly to the line and had it out in the last 200m. I led it out and gave it what I had, happy with the day, amazing team effort.”

Rode powered to the line, clinching victory by three seconds, with Feeley second and Whitcher maintaining his general classification lead by finishing third. Lindsay Watson finished fourth, 24 seconds behind, alongside Christensen and Ollie Hucks (Taap Kalas).

Hucks shared his view on the day: “A strong break went from the gun with teammate Cam McLaren in it. I sat back for a bit and the pace was chilled until the first big climb of the day. Then when we hit the final circuit, I got across to the break with two others, soon joined by the yellow jersey of Jamie who came over solo. We kept a reasonable pace into the final big climb of the day, which resulted in eight guys left. I was behind the yellow jersey on the descent and he had a small crash but soon rejoined the group. The yellow jersey then clipped off with two others and we rode flat out behind as a five for the final 10k but couldn’t pull them back.”

In the general classification, Whitcher leads by 16 seconds ahead of Rode, with Feeley now third, 33 seconds behind. Whitcher also holds the lead in the Under-23 classification.

Stage 3 should be another decisive stage, with the 119.6 km route from Millstreet to Kerryman’s Table features challenging climbs and a summit finish. 

Results

Stage 2

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

General classification

Pos	Rider	Team	Cat	Time
1	Jamie Whitcher	Composite Black	U23	4h30’57”
2	Casper Rode	West Frisia	U23	+16”
3	Daire Feeley	Burren CC	SNR	+33”
4	Willem O Connor	Velo Performance	U23	+34”
5	Ollie Hucks	Taap Kalas	SNR	+36”
6	Tom Martin	Spellman Dublin	SNR	+38”
7	Lindsay Watson	Caldwell Cycles	SNR	+43”
8	Ryan Christensen	Foran CC	SNR	+58”
9	Tom Armstrong	Spellman Dublin	SNR	+1’52”
10	Odhran Doogan	Caldwell Cycles	U23	+1’58”
11	Igor Baars	West Frisia	SNR	+2’07”
12	Conal Scully	Dan Morrissey	U23	+2’19”
13	Liam Crowley	Munster Dornan	SNR	+2’20”
14	Monte Guerrini	Composite Black	SNR	+2’49”
15	Lau De Zee	Roadman Cycling	U23	+3’09”
16	Alexandre Mayer	Foran CC	SNR	+3’17”
17	Luke Mannings	Halesowen	U23	+3’19”
18	Joe-Nathan Matar	Orwell Wheelers	U23	+3’29”
19	Curtis Neill	Caldwell Cycles	U23	+3’31”
20	Niall McLoughlin	Connacht Cycling	U23	+3’55”