Cycling: Elia Viviani (Quick-Step Floors) made herself a very special gift today. The Italian won stage two of the Dubai Tour on his 29th birthday. Dutchman Dylan Groenewegen (LottoNL-Jumbo), who finished second today, remains in the overall leader's blue jersey.
Groenewegen remains in the blue jersey
Like every stage, today's also started at the Dubai Skydive. It took the riders 190 kilometers to Ras al Khaimah. The expected mass sprint couldn't be avoided. Once again, it proved to be very chaotic. No team control could be identified. The Italian Jakub Mareczko (Wilier Triestina-Selle Italia) launched the sprint, but far too early. Then his compatriot Elia Viviani took the lead. Although the birthday boy was also out in the wind very early, no one could get past him on the wide road. Dylan Groenewegen, the winner of the first stage, came dangerously close with his tiger-like leap, but he too couldn't overtake. Thus, the Dutchman at least maintains his lead in the overall standings.
Elia Viviani wins stage 2, very impressive start of the season. Good result also by Minali. #DubaiTour pic.twitter.com/QiaT4K8rHx
— Mihai Cazacu (@faustocoppi60) February 7, 2018
Viviani has announced his victory
Elia Viviani moved up to second place and will certainly be able to celebrate with a glass or two today. Before the stage started, he even hinted at his potential triumph with the words, " Well... I turn 29 today, it's time to win something ." John Degenkolb (Trek-Segafredo) finished fifth as the best German rider. Marcel Kittel (Katusha-Alpecin) was nowhere to be seen.
Compleanno con vittoria! Grandissimo @eliaviviani … ( @QuickStepFloor ) 🎂
Che volatona al #DubaiTour ! 🇮🇹💪🚴♂️ pic.twitter.com/VUzNS99iS2
— Eurosport IT (@Eurosport_IT) February 7, 2018