MARCEL KITTEL WINS STAGE 2 OF TIRRENO-ADRIATICO
PATRICK BEVIN IS THE NEW LEADER OF THE GC

Follonica, 8 March 2018 – The German rider Marcel Kittel (Team Katusha Alpecin) won the second stage of the 53rd edition of the Race of the Two Seas, 172km from Camaiore to Follonica. Patrick Bevin (BMC Racing Team) is the new Maglia Azzurra of General Classification leader.

STAGE RESULT
1 – Marcel Kittel (Team Katusha Alpecin) 172km in 4h12’24”, average speed 40.887kph
2 – Peter Sagan (Bora – Hansgrohe) s.t.
3 – Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek – Segafredo) s.t.

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1 – Patrick Bevin (BMC Racing Team)
2 – Damiano Caruso (BMC Racing Team) s.t.
3 – Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing Team) s.t.

JERSEYS

Maglia Azzurra (blue), general classification leader, sponsored by Gazprom – Patrick Bevin (BMC Racing Team)
Maglia Bianca (white), young rider general classification leader, sponsored by FIAT – Fernando Gaviria (Quick-Step Floors)
Maglia Arancione (orange), sprinter classification leader, sponsored by Sportful – Marcel Kittel (Team Katusha Alpecin)
Maglia Verde (green), King of the Mountains classification leader, sponsored by Snello Rovagnati – Nicola Bagioli (Nippo – Vini Fantini – Europa Ovini)

Speaking seconds after the stage finish, the stage winner, Marcel Kittel, said: “I’ve been waiting such a long time for this victory! Since the beginning of the season, not everything was working good but we worked hard with the team and it finally pays off today. I have to thank everyone for the good job. This is a big boost for the whole group. I’m also very happy because this is my first professional victory in Italy. At the Giro, I won stages in other countries.”

The new Maglia Azzurra, Patrick Bevin, said: “It was not planned that I’d take over from Damiano Caruso. It’s a weird feeling but my team-mates were keen on leading me out. I got a pretty good run when the bunch was spread out. I’ve had moments in the past where I was a good sprinter but I became a lead-out man. Today was the first time in my career that I got my opportunity in a bunch sprint. It’s weird but it’s also great to lead such a big race.”

Press conference interviews and further details to follow.

TOMORROW’S STAGE
Stage 3 – Follonica – Trevi 239km
Start Meeting Point: Follonica, Piazza Guerrazzi
Sign-on procedures: 08:30 – 09:45
Alignment: 09:50
Start – KM 0: 10:05 (transfer 6,400m)
Finish: Viale Italia, Follonica – 16:15 Approx.
Race Headquarter: Villa Fabri, Via delle Grotte 2, Trevi

ROUTE
The stage is very long and challenging, with several mild and not overly long climbs. However, there’s a remarkable difference in altitude. The route starts in Follonica and runs across the northern province of Grosseto, almost reaching Mount Amiata. It then crosses Montalcino, heading for Chiusi. After entering Umbria through Moiano, the route becomes slightly easier all the way to Montefalco, and then enters the final circuit in Trevi, to be covered once. There are four average-category climbs: Roccastrada, Passo del Lume Spento and Cibottola along the route, and Trevi at the finish.

Final kilometres
The final circuit is highly demanding. The Trevi climb is covered twice, first to pass over the finish line and then at the end of the stage. After the passage, the climb extends for a further 300m, with gradients peaking at 16%. A fast-running descent on relatively wide roads leads to the ancient Flaminia road, and then, past Borgo Trevi, the final 3km lead all the way to the finish. The road is narrow, with gradients exceeding 13-15%, with a few short descents before the final 300m, topping out at around 20%. The road is 7.5m wide on tarmac.

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PHOTO CREDIT: LaPresse – D’Alberto / Ferrari

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