JO CHEVALIER of Belgium was first again yesterday in Kanturk at the end of the 45 mile fifth stage of the Credit Union Junior Tour from Macroom, but Barry Twohig of the Ireland team still leads Chevalier by 25 seconds overall.

There were three laps of a finishing circuit of three miles in Kanturk and although Neil Jones of Wales made a break on the hill on the second time around he could not maintain his advantage. In another bunch sprint finish Chevalier registered his third stage win.

Irish champion Paul O'Callaghan was second with Robin Backfish (Kilcullen) third, ahead of Aengus Ryan and Jones, but Twohig was safely in the group to retain the leader's jersey.

Although Twohig and the Ireland team look to be in control changes are expected to some of the leading positions today. The stage is the longest and the 73 miles to Dungarvan includes the climb at The Vee.

. The Joe Sweeney memorial trophy race at Listowel on Sunday winds up the Kingdom week of events. After promotions at Killorglin last Sunday followed by Killarney and Kilrush on Monday and Tuesday and Kanturk yesterday, Currow is the venue today.

There is a hill climb at Ballygrennane, Listowel tomorrow and the Sweeney event decides the destination of the £1,000 prize fund for the series. The Mid Ulster Grand Prix is also listed for Cookstown on Sunday.