German Andre Greipel has taken his seventh win on the Giro d'Italia after claming the second stage in a bunch sprint finish.
The Lotto Soudal rider passed Australian Caleb Ewan, whose chances were ruined when his left shoe came off its clip, and never looked back as he also snatched the overall leader's pink jersey.
Italian Roberto Ferrari (UAE Team Emirates) took second place ahead of Belgian Jasper Stuyven (Trek Segafredo) at the end of an undulating, 221km stage between Olbia and Tortoli in Sardinia.
"There was no trouble with Caleb's bike," said Ewan's sports director at Orica-Scott, Matt White. "He collided with another rider and it caused the incident and ruined his sprint."
Ewan is now third overall, eight seconds adrift of Greipel, but his Orica-Scott outfit lead the teams classification.
Greipel paid tribute to his teammates after taking the lead in a grand tour for the first time.
"It was not an easy day, six hours on the bike. I owe it to my teammates who worked hard all day," he said.
Eritrean Daniel Teklehaimanot will wear the blue jersey for the best climber as he gained decisive points on the final ascent after spending the day in the breakaway.
Share
