Cycling: Tadej Pogacar won the second stage of the 2024 Giro d'Italia. The Slovenian champion left no doubt that he is the strongest climber in the peloton. The German Florian Lipowitz also presented himself strongly.
Pogacar does it like Pantani
Sovereign has himself Tadej pogacar (UAE) took victory on the second stage of the Tour of Italy secured. The Slovenian champion could not be beaten on the first mountain arrival. With his attack 4,5 kilometers from the finish, he immediately left all his opponents standing. After that, it was all about second place, which came with a strong fighting spirit Daniel Martinez (Bora – hansgrohe) secured. He also has this to thank for Florian Lipwitz (Bora – hansgrohe). The German made an extremely strong impression and not only led his teammate to second place, but also finished fifth himself. The 161 kilometer route from San Francesco al Campo to Santuario di Oropa was flat in the first half of the race, then became more undulating until it finally climbed to the Sanctuary of Oropa for the first mountain finish of this year's Giro d'Italia.
5 Italians in the breakaway group
Before the strongest climbers in the world could put themselves in the limelight, five Italians formed the escape group of the day. Christian Scaroni (Astana), Andrea Piccolo (EF Education – EasyPost), David Bais (Polti Kometa), Filippo Fiorelli (VF Group – Bardiani CSF – Faizanè) and Martin Marcellusi (VF Group – Bardiani CSF – Faizanè) were given a lead of almost five minutes. The Ineos Grenadiers team controlled the pace in the peloton and then continued consistently together with the UAE Team Emirates. It was clear well before the start of the final climb that the outliers would have no chance of winning the day today. At least Fiorelli was able to secure a few points for the points classification today.
Pogacar falls shortly before the final climb
Andrea Piccolo (EF Education – EasyPost) entered the final climb as the last remaining outlier with a lead of just over a minute. Not enough to dream of winning the stage. Suffered behind it Tadej pogacar (UAE) had a breakdown and even fell. In 1999, Marco Pantani also suffered a puncture here and had to come up from behind the field. With success! The Italian won the stage and the Giro d'Italia. The Slovenian also got back into the main field without any problems because the Ineos Grenadiers team naturally didn't push the pace any further. Piccolo was stopped 6,5 kilometers from the finish and the peloton was gradually thinned out. Among other things, they could Nairo Quintana (movistar), Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal – Quick Step) and Michael Woods (Israel – Premier Tech) unfollow.
https://velomotion.de/2020/05/radsport-highlights-pantani-oropa/
Lipowitz leads Martinez to second place
4,5 kilometers before the finish the time had come: Tadej pogacar (UAE) continued its attack after with Rafal Mayka (UAE) his last helper had finished his job. Nobody could follow the Slovenian champion. Also Ben O'Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) realized after a few meters that he couldn't keep up with this pace. Shortly later the Australian was even passed on because he had clearly overreached himself. Completely different Daniel Martinez (Bora – hansgrohe). The Colombian had already been left behind, but then came back into the chasing group. There was now Florian Lipowitz (Bora – hansgrohe) takes command. As with the Tour de Romandie, the German presented himself in extremely strong form. This is how he made it possible for his teammate Daniel Martinez (Bora – hansgrohe) even came second. Tomorrow we will see Tadej Pogacar in pink for the first time in his career. In addition, the Slovenian has now won at least one stage in all three major national tours. Tomorrow there could be a mass sprint for the first time at the Giro d'Italia 2024. But the tricky finale in Fossano could also invite a courageous attack.
¡́, @TamauPogi!
You can walk 4 kilometers and walk on your own in the first time in Victoria and the Giro.
Lo estás viendo en @Eurosport_EN 1 y APP.#GirodItalia | #LaCasadelCiclismo pic.twitter.com/TkSqwW5DLG
- Eurosport.es (@Eurosport_ES) May 5, 2024
HE HAS DONE IT
Tadej Pogacar wins Stage 2 of the Giro d'Italia in style after an incredible attack #twist2024 pic.twitter.com/VV7igBC0V0
- Eurosport (@eurosport) May 5, 2024