National champion Tommy Evans yesterday overtook Carlow-rider Michael Mulcahy as the overall race leader in the Tour of Ulster. Mulcahy had taken the lead on a windswept, washed-out first stage when he soloed to a surprise victory at the finish in Derry, 12 seconds ahead of a breakaway group of 15 riders, and 53 seconds ahead of pre-race favourites Evans, Philip Cassidy and Brian Kenneally.

However, Evans, Cassidy and Stephen O'Sullivan established a clear advantage over the other contenders towards the end of the arduous 77-mile second stage to Monaghan. O'Sullivan won six King of the Mountains primes, but it was national champion Evans who crossed the line four seconds ahead of 1999 FBD Milk as Ras-winner Cassidy, and O'Sullivan.

The race continues today with an 8.5-mile time trial and a 50-mile circuit race, and with Patrick Moriarty nearly one minute behind in fourth place, it looks likely that first place will go to one of these three. David Peelo was best at the end of the Ben McKenna Memorial yesterday in Balbriggan. Peelo was part of a breakaway group which went clear on the second of five laps, and by the end of 68 miles the Sorrento rider outsprinted Sean Bracken to win.