Sovicille (dpa) – Phil Bauhaus missed the day’s victory in the first mass sprint of the 56th edition of the Tirreno-Adriatico long-distance cycling trip.
The 27-year-old was in a good position in the final of stage two on Tuesday, but got pinched in the final meters and had to settle for sixth. The Belgian Tim Merlier secured victory after 219 kilometers through Tuscany from Camaiore to Sovicille ahead of the Dutchman Olav Kooij and the Australian Kaden Groves. The overall leader remains Italy’s time trial world champion Filippo Ganna, who won the start.
The so-called race between the seas over seven stages will be very demanding, especially in the second half. However, there is no real mountain finish this year. The final stage takes place on Sunday around San Benedetto del Tronto on Italy’s east coast. On Wednesday, the sprinters should get their chance again at the finish in Terni.