Durasek and Ravasi climb into Top 10

The second stage of the 2018 Tour of California started on the beach in Ventura and traveled 157 kilometers to the summit of 12 kilometer Gibraltar Road climb at 1,059 meters. The team rode strongly together with Kristijan Durasek and Edward Ravasi riding in the front group on the climb and crossing the line in the top 10 behind the stage winner Egan Bernal (Team Sky). UAE Team Emirates were the only team to finish with two riders in the top 10.

Durasek finished the stage in 6th, only 30 seconds behind. Ravasi finished in 9th, 59 seconds. They are 5h and 9th now in the GC.

I am quite happy,” said Kristijan Durasek. “It was just one climb, but we did it really fast in the finale. I felt strong on the climb and rode the best I could. I am now in a good place in the GC for the next stages. I hope to continue to hold my place and improve as well”.

Edward Ravasi said, “The last kilometer was really fast with Team Sky going full gas. When Bernal attacked I kept my rhythm and finished strongly. I am a bit surprised to finish so well, as my last race was at the Tour of the Alps. I am happy though and I hope this week to improve my condition as well.”

Tomorrow, May 15th, will be the third stage is 197 kilometers from King City to Laguna Seca Raceway. This is the second time the race will finish at the raceway with a tough climb on the raceway coming shortly before the famous fast corkscrew descent into the final few hundred meter finishing straight.

Stage 2 results

1 Bernal Egan Arley (Col) Team Sky 4:14:00

2 Majka Rafal (Pol) BORA-Hansgrohe +0:21

3 Yates Adam (GBr) Mitchelton-Scott +0:25

6 Durasek Kristijan (Cro) UAE Team Emirates +0:30

9 Ravasi Edward (Ita) UAE Team Emirates +0:59

General Classification after stage 2

1 Bernal Egan Arley (Col) Team Sky 7:16:13

2 Majka Rafal (Pol) BORA-Hansgrohe +0:25

3 Yates Adam (GBr) Mitchelton-Scott +0:31

5 Durasek Kristijan (Cro) UAE Team Emirates +0:40

9 Ravasi Edward (Ita) UAE Team Emirates +1:09