After previous disappointments in the FBD Milk Ras, Tipperary cyclist Brian Kenneally finally capitalised on his considerable talent yesterday when he stormed to an much deserved victory on the 101-mile second stage of the Irish tour.

The 25-year-old forged clear on the leg-breaking ascent of the first category Windy Gap, establishing a decisive advantage on his breakaway companions and then time-trialed the remaining 25 miles alone to victory in Newport.

It was an authoritative display from one of the country's most talented riders; appreciated by many, especially Kenneally himself, because, amazingly, this is his first victory in six starts in the race. For one tipped for much, it has been a long time coming. "It is unbelievable," said the clearly delighted Kenneally. "My previous best was second on a stage last year but this is something else."

The day's action saw another deserved result, when constantly-attacking Englishman Mark Lovatt wrested the yellow jersey off the shoulders of Welshman Julian Winn.

Both were part of a 17-man group which gained over four minutes on the main field on Saturday's stage to Longford, but both Winn and stage-one winner Tjarco Cuppens found themselves isolated in the bunch yesterday as Lovatt moved clear in another large breakaway which formed early in the stage.

That has been the story of the race thus far; big groups which have drawn clear of a lethargic, inattentive main bunch on both stages and destroyed the challenge of many of the pre-race favourites.

It may be only two stages into the race, but already defending champion Philip Cassidy is over seven minutes in arrears. So too International Cargo Services - Ireland team mates Bill Moore and Tommy Evans, plus last year's runner-up Dermot Finnegan. A peculiar stage of affairs so early in the race.

But national team director Richie Beatty can take comfort, however, with the strong riding of Eugene Moriarty thus far. The Listowel cyclist lies fourth overall, six seconds behind Lovatt and highly motivated to be in yellow when the race finishes in his home town tomorrow.

Indeed, according to Lovatt, he has little thoughts of defending his lead. "I am not really going that well," he said. "I am up here because I have had a go both days, but I really came to the Ras just thinking about a stage win. I won't be trying too hard to defend the jersey."

It is hard to see the aggressive 28-year-old giving up the jersey without a fight, but a tussle is exactly what he will face on today's 75 miles to Oughteraard.

In-form Irish rider Stephen O'Sullivan and Swedish rider Kristoffer Ingeby lurk in second and third, separated from Lovatt by points alone.