KEY POINTS:
New Zealand's top road cyclist Julian Dean finished third overall in the Tour of Ireland which ended today.
He was sixth in the fifth and final 144km stage in Cork to secure a podium spot for his Garmin-Chipotle team.
Dean completed the 881km tour in a time of 21 hours 43 minutes 37 seconds, 21sec behind the winner, Italian Marco Pinotti.
Briton Russel Downing was second, 2sec ahead of Dean.
Dean was prominent throughout the tour after finishing second in the second stage before securing another stage podium with a third placing on the third day.
He was also second in the sprint classification with 54 points, 10 behind Downing.
Leading overall results:
Marco Pinott (Italy, Team Columbia) 21hr 43min 16sec 1, Russel Downing (Britain/Pinarello Racing) at 19sec 2, JULIAN DEAN (NZ/Garmin Chipotle) at 21 sec 3, Matthew Wilson (Australia/Team Type 1) at 33sec 4, Michael Barry (Canada/Team Columbia) at 36sec 5.
- NZPA
