The second stage of the Giro d’Italia, the first in a row, had the predictable calm development and was decided in the sprint in favor of the Italian Jonathan Milan, from Bahrain-Victorious Jonathan Milan. There were no changes in the general classification, despite a fall just over 3 kilometers from the finish.
The first online stage, along the Adriatic coast of the Abruzzo region, was a classic first-week track, practically flat, marked by an early break and with a sprint resolution on the flat, the first of six opportunities to show off that the fast men of the race will have.
The escape of the day was made up of five modest cyclists: Paul Lapeira (AG2R), Thomas Champion (Cofidis), Mattia Bais (Eolo), Alessandro Verre (Arkéa), Stefano Gandin (Corratec) who launched into the adventure aware that their effort It would not last long enough to prevail in the segment, but it would allow them to reap television minutes for their respective sponsors.
His adventure ended with 34 kilometers to go, thanks to the control of the Alpecin-Deceuninck and Trek-Segafredo teams. However, it wouldn’t be until the last 15 kilometers that the pace would really pick up for the finish. Not only by the teams with sprinters but also those of the favorites to protect their leaders against a very rapid arrival in the first few days where the forces of the majority are intact.
In fact, 3.7 km from the end, there was a snag, outside the protection zone, among which Mark Cavendish was affected. The fall allowed only a group of about 30 cyclists to compete at the end of the stage, but luckily, with all the favorites for the general classification saving the situation.
In the very long finish line in Kaden Groves launched first. The Colombian Fernando Gaviria started in the middle of the road trying to anticipate and for a few moments it seemed that he could do well. However, they did not have a huge, both in size and strength, Jonathan Milan who, crouching at the wheel of Groves, came out at the last moment to come back with enormous power and clinch victory in a resounding way. An unforgettable debut for the Italian in his first Giro d’Italia.
The third stage of the Giro d’Italia will begin in the Vasto region and end in Melfi with a route of more than 200 kilometers. In addition, it will have two third and fourth category mountain passes.
Classification Stage 2
1.- Jonathan Milan (Bahrain-Victorious) 4h55’11”
2.- David Dekker (Arkéa-Samsic) m.t.
3.-Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck) m.t.
General ranking
1.- Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep)
2.- Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers) +22”
3.- Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) +29