Taupo cyclist Patrick Bevin has recorded an impressive third place on the sixth stage of the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland today.
A depleted New Zealand team helped Bevin into third place this morning.
Having lost Marc Ryan after three stages, they also lost young Southland rider Liam Aitcheson also to illness, leaving Cameron Karwowski and Hamish Schreurs to ride in support of protecting Bevin's lead in the sprint points' green jersey.
Bevin pushed himself strongly up the category one climb of Seskin Hill for the hilltop finish in Carrick-on-Sur to finish seven seconds behind winner Markus Eibegger (Austria) and just behind his main rival for the points jersey, Owain Doul (An Post Cain Reaction).
Today's 163 km stage from Clonakilty in to Carrick-on-Suir was doubly challenging with wet and windy conditions throughout.