Irishman wins 2nd stage in Purwokerto

PURWOKERTO: Irish rider David McCann of Giant Asia Racing clinched the second stage of the Tour d'Indonesia 2005 from Cirebon, West Java to Purwokerto, Central Java here on Tuesday.

McCann crossed the line in five hours, two minutes and 51 seconds over the 187-kilometer route.

National cyclist Ryan Ariehaan, 26, from the Dodol Picnic team finished in second 10 minutes behind, with McCann's compatriot Paul Griffin, the winner of the opening stage, following in third place, six minutes behind Ryan.

The third stage will cover 204.8 kilometers from Purwokerto to Yogyakarta on Wednesday.

Ryan will wear the red jersey as the best Indonesian rider after two of nine stages planned in the US$100 tour.

Griffin, 32, will still wear the yellow jersey (overall leader), while the green jersey (sprint/points leader) belongs to Rhyan Tanguilig of Casino Filipino after he won the sprint bonuses in Tegal and Randu Dongkal.

Dutch Maint Berkem Bosch of the Jong En Laan took the polka dot jersey (king of the mountains) after reaching the 852-meter peak in Purbalingga first. He won a tough battle over his rival Iranian Ghader Mizbani of Giant Asia Racing.

The tour will end in Bali, on Sept. 21. -- JP