The best bits from the An Post Rás as van Schip rides clear to win Stage 2

Denmark’s Nicolai Brochner Nielsen retains the yellow jersey.

Jan Willem Van Schip wins the second stage of The Ras Jan-Willem van Schip wins Monday's second stage of The Rás. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

JAN-WILLEM VAN SCHIP of the Netherlands won today’s second stage of the An Post Rás after launching a late attack on the final kilometres from Longford Newport.

Van Schip was one of five riders who split from the peloton with 25km remaining, and then summoned a final burst to leave his breakaway rivals behind and ride clear to take the stage.

Monaghan’s Robert McCarthy was the best of the Irish in eight place, crossing the line at the head of the main group seven seconds behind Van Schip.

Denmark’s Nicolai Brochner Nielsen retains the yellow jersey and a nine-second lead in the general classification.

See the Stage 2 results in full here >

The riders of the 2017 An Post Ras pass over Killashee bridge just outside of Longford Town The race passes over Killashee bridge just outside Longford town.

The An Post Ras makes it way towards Lanesborough The riders make their way towards Lanesborough.

Paddy Mulryan from Glinsk watches the race pass through Drumatemple.

Sean Kelly watches the An Post Ras leave Roscommon town Sean Kelly watches the Rás leave Roscommon town.

Michael Finnegan rounds up his sheep with the help of sheepdog Jill as the riders of the 2017 An Post Ras pass by Michael Finnegan and his sheepdog Jill round up his sheep.