Vuelta 2016 Stage 2: Meersman sprints to victory, Kwiatkowski takes lead

At 160.8 kilometres, stage 2 in La Vuelta is played out on rolling roads with a tough climb halfway and a modest hill with 10 kilometres remaining. The race boils down to a bunch sprint with Gianni Meersman powering to victory. Michal Kwiatkowski, who finishes in fourth place, is the new leader. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 2nd stage Vuelta

1. Gianni Meersman (bel)
2. Michael Schwarzmann (ger) s.t.
3. Magnus Cort (den) s.t.
4. Michal Kwiatkowski (pol) s.t.
5. Jonas Van Genechten (bel) s.t.
6. Kristian Sbaragli (ita) s.t.
7. Niccolo Bonifazio (ita) s.t.
8. Jhonathan Restrepo (col) s.t.
9. Jean-Pierre Drucker (lux) s.t.
10. Lozzenzo Manzin (fra) s.t.

GC after 2nd stage
1. Michal Kwiatkowski (pol)
2. José Joaquin Rojas (spa) s.t.
3. Alejandro Valverde (spa) s.t.
4. Chris Froome (gbr) s.t.
5. Salvatore Puccio (ita) s.t.
6. Peter Kennaugh (gbr) s.t.
7. Nairo Quintana (col) s.t.
8. Leopold König (cze) s.t.
9. Ruben Fernandez (spa) s.t.
10. Jonathan Castroviejo (spa) s.t.

15. Esteban Chaves (col) + 0.06
22. Tejay van Garderen (usa) + 0.07
28. Steven Kruijswijk (nld) + 0.28
40. Alberto Contador (spa) + 0.52
42. Andrew Talansky (usa) + 0.52
55. Miguel Ángel López (col) + 0.58
108. Warren Barguil (fra) + 1.50
119. Louis Meintjes (rsa) + 2.08
145. Robert Gesink (nld) + 3.14

Race report
Laurent Pichon and Cesare Benedetti join forces in the first successful breakaway in this year’s Vuelta. 20 minutes into the race Brian Naulleau manages to chase them down and the trio forges on to a maximum lead at almost 5 minutes. Yet, the gap goes fast with 50 kms done.

Pichon wins most KOM points at the Alto de Fontefria, thus taking the polka dot jersey

With 38 kms to go Gilbert attacks and joins the leaders, yet, the four are brought back with 16 kms remaining. Machado gives it a go, but to no avail.

The race boils down to a bunch sprint with Gianni Meersman fastest. As Michal Kwiatkowski powers to fouth place he is the new man in red.