Consonni takes second place in tough Vuelta a San Juan stage

After launching Fernando Gaviria to the stage win on day one, Simone Consonni took second place for himself in the second stage of the Vuelta a San Juan behind Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick Step).

The 24-year-old withstood the attacks over the climbs and led the group home behind Alaphilippe at Punta Negra. The stage covered 132.5km, with the climb three times, the final left 2.5km to race. Alaphilippe could not be stopped, but Consonni (photo Bettini) ruled the rest ahead of Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe).

Gaviria held his ground and maintained the overall lead, now with three seconds on Alaphilippe and seven on Consonni. Valerio Conti sits 10th at 13″ and helps the team lead the teams classification.

“I came to Argentina with a good amount of work in my legs, partly thanks to the Bremen Six Days,” said Consonni. “We are here to give the best for Fernando, who I began to know in the team camp and is a true star.
The stage today was the only one where, given the profile, I could have my chance for a good result. I spoke with Fernando and he gave me my freedom.
I held it well on the hard part of the climb, I was good to wait until the last 300 meters when the riders ahead of me took off and I could take advantage of the slipstream. I launched myself and took this good podium finish.”

The third day of the Vuelta a San Juan covers 12km, a time trial with the start and finish in Pocito. It is out and back, 6km each way, with only one curve to break up the day. The stage should give the fans an idea of who could win the race overall on Sunday.

Stage 2 results
1 Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick Step) 3h08’39”
2 Simone Consonni (UAE Team Emirates) s.t.
3 Peter Sagan (Bora-hansgrohe) s.t.

Overall classification after stage 2
1 Fernando Gaviria (UAE Team Emirates) 6h58’38”
2 Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick Step) 3″
3 Simone Consonni (UAE Team Emirates) 7″