Cycling: Tim Merlier has secured victory on the second stage of the Giro d'Italia. In the mass sprint, the Belgian prevailed just ahead of the Italian Giacomo Nizzolo.
Merlier celebrates the biggest win of his career
The first mass sprint of this year's Giro d'Italia is coming up Tim Merlier (Alpecin-Fenix). The Belgian is ahead of the Italians at the finish in Novara after 179 kilometers James Nizzolo (Qhubeka – Assos) and Elia Viviani (Cofidis) enforced. No team really got the hectic final under control. Was particularly lucky in misfortune Fernando Gaviria (UAE). Pushed out by his own teammate, the Colombian almost ended up in the gang. The overall leader remains yesterday's stage winner Filippo Gana (Ineos Grenadiers). The Italian had no trouble defending the Maglia Rosa. On the contrary: In a sprint ranking, he secured himself an additional 3 seconds ahead of the Belgian Remco Evenepoel (Deceuninck - Quick Step).
Groenewegen strong, Ewan unorganized
Just missed the podium Dylan Groenewegen (Jumbo - Visma). On his comeback, the Dutchman – well prepared by his teammates – looked for the right rear wheel. In the end, the only thing missing was the final speed and probably also the racing practice. Things went much worse for Top-Favorit Caleb ewan (Lotto – Soudal). The Australian has to settle for 10th place because he was driven into position much too late by his drivers. When the post went off at the front, he wasn't among the top 20. So he didn't have a chance to get involved in the fight for the day's win.
Italian breakaway trio without a chance
The second stage from Stupinigi to Novara was initially marked by a trio of Italian breakaways. At the beginning of the 179-kilometre section, it became loose Filippo Tagliani (Androni Giocattoli – Sidermec), Umberto Marengo (Bardiani – CSF – Faizanè) and Vincenzo Albanese (EOLO – Kometa) from the peloton and were awarded a lead of a few minutes. As was to be expected, the sprinter teams didn't miss this chance to win the stage. Above all, the teams Lotto - Soudal, Jumbo - Visma and Alpecin - Fenix made sure to catch up in time. At least you can Vincenzo Albanese happy about the mountain jersey.
Israel Start-Up Nation is one man down
Even before the start of today's stage, the Giro d'Italia had to report its first task. Krists Neilands (Israel Start-Up Nation) could no longer compete. After yesterday's time trial, the Latvian fell on the way to the hotel and broke his collarbone. Luckily, the Giro entourage made it through the second stage today without any serious falls.
Tim Merlier writes sig ind blandt topsprinterne i verden med endnu en flot sejr! 🇧🇪💥
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— Eurosport (@Eurosportdk) May 9, 2021
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