An Post Rás heads to Clare.

The 159 kilometre stage includes the first major climb of the race with the Category 1 Doonagore just 8 kilometres from the finish.

The An Post Chain Reaction squad notched up a 1-2 on yesterdays opening stage with Robert John McCarthy finished ahead of team mate Shane Archibold.

Mark Shannon of the Visit Nenagh.ie squad was best of the Tipp teams in 39th.

Carrick on Suir plays host to a stage end of the Rás on Friday next.

Meanwhile Sam Bennett finished second in the Velethon Berlin race yesterday just losing out to Raymond Kreder of Garmin Sharp in the bunch sprint. 

The Team NetApp Endura rider has also moved up to 2nd overall in the UCI Europe Tour standings.