Julian Dean, Tour of Ireland stage 1 Despite the “bumpy” profile of today’s opening stage of the 2008 Tour of Ireland, the finish came down to a bunch sprint where Kiwi Guy finished second to Mark Cavendish. Team Garmin-Chipotle worked to keep Julian up front and clear over the small climbs coming into the final half of the stage. Julian demonstrated his solid form post Tour with a hard drive for the finish. Due to time bonuses, he is 3rd on the overall.

“Julian was second today behind the fastest man in ‘08! Maggy was there to help Julian with a strong lead out,” said Directeur Sportif Matt White. “Dan and CJ were in a rough way today. CJ dropped back in the final and some how Dan got through no time lost. But now Trent is sick! Oh well, the boys are hanging tough.”

Tune in for tomorrow’s undulating 158 km stage 2 from Thurles to Loughrea. For daily live coverage, check out Shane Stoke’s updates on IrishCycling.com.

**Stay tuned for photos and an update from Dan on his tummy troubles.**

Team Garmin-Chipotle stage results
1. Mark Cavendish 5h00′20″
2. Julian Dean +00″
24. Dan Martin +00″
25. Magnus Backstedt +00″
36. Trent Lowe +00″
50. David Millar +00″
77. Martijn Maaskant +9′40″
100. Chris Sutton +13′11″

Team Garmin-Chipotle GC
1. Mark Cavendish 5h00′09″
3. Julian Dean +05″
25. Dan Martin +11″
26. Magnus Backstedt +11″
36. Trent Lowe +11″
50. David Millar +11″
77. Martijn Maaskant +9′51″
101. Chris Sutton +13′22″