Tour of Catalunya Stage 2: Another win for Meersman

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Andy Fenn of Omega Pharma – Quick-Step leads out Gianni Meersman who wins his second stage in the 2013 Tour of Catalunya

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Fenn lead out Gianni Meersman and while the British rider raced up the left side, race leader Meersman — who won Stage 1 in a select group on Monday — launched his sprint on the right side. It was the perfect tactic and Meersman held on with a powerful effort for the victory. Meersman expanded his GC lead to 14″.

Vuelta Catalunya Stage 2 arrival Meersman

Photo: OPQS/Tim de Waele

“Today it was a great sprint,” Meersman said of his victory. “It was a great day for the team. At the beginning, we expected not a lot of support from other teams, which is quite normal. But, just as it was yesterday, the team was really strong. We managed to control the race. The final circuit was nervous, but we were always on the front controlling.”

“Then, I have to say the team did a great job in the last 2 kilometers. Dries did a great thing closing the gap on two Blanco riders off the front, and then Andy Fenn led me to the 200 meter point. It was perfect, so I came out from the bunch and I did my sprint and I won!”

“I am so glad I was able to win again for me and the team. This team, everyone knows their job and it’s marvelous and super to ride with each and every one. Even for me personally it was a great moment in my career, It’s the first time I’ve won two races in a row. It’s really a special feeling after all the sacrifices I have done in my career. I am happy also for my family.”

“I haven’t seen them often because of the races, but I am sure they will enjoy with me this moment.”

Volta Catalunya Stage 2Meersman podium2 (c) TimDe Waele

Photo: OPQS/Tim de Waele

The next stage sees the event head into the mountains for Stage 3. The 180.1km stage includes three categorized climbs and a summit finish on HC Vallter (19.38km, average gradient 6%, max ramp 15%).
STAGE 2
1 MEERSMAN Gianni Omega Pharma – Quick-Step 3:48:10
2 RATTO Daniele Cannondale Pro Cycling Team
3 LANCASTER Brett Orica GreenEDGE
4 DUMOULIN Samuel AG2R La Mondiale
5 WAGNER Robert Blanco Pro Cycling Team
6 SIMON Julien Sojasun
7 LAMMERTINK Maurits Vacansoleil – DCM
8 PICHON Laurent Equipe Cycliste FDJ
9 WYSS Danilo BMC Racing Team
10 MORI Manuele Lampre – Merida

15 FENN Andrew Omega Pharma – Quick-Step
37 WIGGINS Bradley Sky Procycling
132 KENNAUGH Peter Sky Procycling
143 CUMMINGS Stephen BMC Racing Team

OVERALL
1 MEERSMAN Gianni Omega Pharma – Quick-Step 7:43:46
2 AGNOLI Valerio Astana Pro Team 0:14
3 VALVERDE BELMONTE Alejandro Movistar Team 0:16
4 WYSS Danilo BMC Racing Team 0:20
5 GESINK Robert Blanco Pro Cycling Team
6 CATALDO Dario Sky Procycling
7 LOPEZ GARCIA David Sky Procycling
8 WIGGINS Bradley Sky Procycling
9 HERRADA LOPEZ Jesús Movistar Team
10 MARTIN Daniel Garmin – Sharp
11 RODRIGUEZ OLIVER Joaquim Katusha Team

 

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