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Adam Rafferty of Hagens Berman Jayco delivered an impressive performance on the final stage of the Tour of Rhodes (UCI 2.2), showcasing his growing strength and ambition as a team leader. The 19-year-old from Co Tyrone, in his first stage race of the season, demonstrated significant improvement compared to his participation in the same event 12 months ago. This year, he took a more aggressive approach, attacking on the decisive climbs and challenging for the yellow jersey, ultimately securing 5th place overall.
The four-day race, which included a prologue and three road stages, was tightly contested, with seconds separating the top riders. Rafferty started strongly, finishing 7th in the prologue and consistently riding in the front group during the key road stages. By the final stage, a 155.9km route starting and finishing in Kremasti, the race was set for a dramatic conclusion.
The stage began aggressively, with the first climb at 30km causing significant splits in the peloton. Yellow jersey wearer Gustav Wang (XDS Astana Development Team) was among those dropped, leaving a select group of around 20 riders at the front, including Rafferty. As the only representative of his team in the lead group, Rafferty took the initiative, pushing the pace and positioning himself as a key contender.
The decisive moment came on the final climb, a 4.5km ascent averaging 8% gradient, which crested with 112km completed. Rafferty launched a powerful attack, drawing out four of the strongest riders in the race. This move split the lead group, and while the five riders crested the climb together, they were later caught by a small chasing group. With about 10km remaining, three riders—Pierre-Henry Basset (XDS Astana Development Team), Colby Simmons (EF Education-Aevolo), and Ben Felix Jochum (Team Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank)—managed to break clear and stayed away to the finish.
Basset won the stage, with Jochum and Simmons following closely behind. The trio also secured the top three spots in the general classification, all tied on time. Rafferty finished in a nine-rider group eight seconds behind the stage winners, ultimately placing 5th overall at 11 seconds down. This marked a slight slip in the general classification compared to his 9th place finish last year, but the manner of his performance—marked by aggression and leadership—highlighted his development as a rider.
Other Irish riders in the race included Conn McDunphy (Team Skyline), who finished 59th at 10:10, and Conor Prendergast (Velo Performance), who was 76th at 13:35. Prendergast’s teammates—Willem O’Connor, Michael Collins, and Cal Tutty—finished just three seconds behind him in the same group. Cian Keogh (Team Skyline) was 109th at 20:39.
Rafferty’s performance in Rhodes is a promising sign for his season, particularly as he steps into a leadership role within his team. His ability to compete against well-drilled UCI Continental development teams and his willingness to take risks in the decisive moments of the race bode well for his future in the sport. While he narrowly missed out on a podium finish, his aggressive riding and improved consistency suggest he is on an upward trajectory in his cycling career.
