Almeida avoids Giro carnage as Ackermann in hunt for stage win

Pascal Ackermann showed signs that his sprinting legs are coming good, taking sixth place in a hectic finale on stage 2 of the Giro d’Italia from Teramo to San Salvo (202km).

The stage was won by Jonathan Milan (Bahrain Victorious) who powered through the centre as Ackermann faded on the left of the road.

Ackermann: “It was a super nervous sprint today. I started it a bit too early, maybe if I had waited I could have been closer to the win. In any case I’m happy with the legs and we still have some days to go and chase wins.”

The undulating parcours meant for a mainly relaxing day in the peloton until disaster struck with 4 km remaining as a crash took several riders down and blocked the road.

 
Though no riders from UAE Team Emirates came down in the initial crash, Jay Vine and Brandon McNulty, who were well placed in the general classification both lost time, coming home in a group +19” down.

Despite the losses, after a commanding show of strength on stage one, UAE Team Emirates now move into the lead of the teams classification.

Stage 2 results

1.Jonathan Milan (Bahrain-Victorious) 4:55:11

2.David Dekker (Arkea-Samsic) s.t

3.Kaden Groves (Jayco-Alula) s.t

6.Pascal Ackermann (UAE Team Emirates) s.t

General Classification after stage 2

1.Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quickstep)  5’16’29’’

2.Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) +22’’

3.Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) +29’’