Giro 2015 Stage 2: Viviani powers to victory, Matthews in pink

In 177 kilometres the riders race to Genoa on the Ligurian coast. It all boils down to a bunch sprint with Elia Viviani outpowering Moreno Hofland and André Greipel. Matthews is fifth and takes the pink jersey. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 2nd stage 2015 Giro

1. Elia Viviani (ita)
2. Moreno Hofland (nld) s.t.
3. André Greipel (ger) s.t.
4. Luka Mezgec (slo) s.t.
5. Alessandro Petacchi (ita) s.t.
6. Giacomo Nizzolo (ita) s.t.
7. Michael Matthews (aus) s.t.
8. Davide Applonio (ita) s.t.
9. Daniele Colli (ita) s.t.
10. Paolo Tiralongo (ita) s.t.

12. Fabio Aru (ita) s.t.
16. Rigoberto Uran (col) s.t.
22. Richie Porte (aus) s.t.
24. Alberto Contador (spa) s.t.

GC after stage 2
1. Michael Matthews (aus)
2. Simon Gerrans (aus) s.t.
3. Simon Clarke (aus) s.t.
4. Esteban Chaves (col) s.t.
5. Roman Kreuziger (cze) + 0.07
6. Alberto Contador (spa) s.t.
7. Michael Rogers (aus) s.t.
8. Manuele Boaro (ita) s.t.
9. Ivan Rovny (rus) s.t.
10. Paolo Tiralongo (ita) s.t.

11. Fabio Aru (ita) + 0.13
19. Rigoberto Uran (col) + 0.19
37. Richie Porte (aus) + 0.27

Race report
In the break away Marco Frapporti, Glacomo Berlato, Eugert Zhupa, Lukasz Owsian and Bert-Jan Lindeman. They leave shortly after the start and race to a maximum gain of 9 minutes. With 100m km’s left Orica-GreenEdge moves to the front of the pack to bring the gap down.

At the the only KOM-climb of the day Bert-Jan Lindeman is the first to crest. He will wear the blue jersey tomorrow.

Owsian is the last survivor of the break and he is caught with 11 km’s left. It all boils down to a bunch sprint.

In the streets of Genua André Greipel opens the debates, Moreno Hofland takes over, and Elia Viviani bests him on the line.