AIDAN DUFF, who is a member of the Ireland team for the European under 23 road race championship over a 100 miles Isle of Man course next Tuesday, was second in a three day race, the Tour de Loire Atlantique, with his French club, Vendee U, over the weekend.

Duff had the opening stage at his mercy as he was 12 seconds ahead inside the final kilometre but with 500 metres to go he changed gear and unshipped his chain. Instead of taking over the leader's jersey, the Irishman finished ninth.

On stage two Duff was sixth and, after fourth place in the stage three time trial he was second overall going into the final stage but a team mate Freddie Arnaud held the lead.

For the final stage the team manager decided to defend their first and second places so Duff had to settle for the runner up position but he also collected the under 23 award and he is optimistic about his chance in the big event next Tuesday.