Molano sprints to top-5 in Catalunya

Sebastian Molano battled echelons and splits in the peloton to take fifth place on stage 2 of the Volta Catalunya from L’Escala to Perpignan (202.4km).

Kaden Groves (Bike Exchange) was fastest to the line from a heavily reduced peloton in which UAE Team Emirates was well represented. At -58km Soler was involved in a crash but was able to finish the stage without serious injuries.

Molano: “It was a long stage with a lot of wind. The peloton broke up a lot in the final 30km and the speed was really high. My legs were good but there were just a few guys faster today. We’ll try again for a win in the days ahead.”

Tomorrow takes the riders Perpignan to La Molina (161.1km) for the first big mountain test of the week.

 
On day one of Coppi & Bartali UAE Team Emirates registered a double top-10 with Diego Ulissi and the recently returned Marc Hirschi coming home in 7th and 10th respectively.

The 164km stage starting and finishing in Riccione was won by Swiss Mauro Schmid (Quick Step – Alpha Vinyl) who also takes the leaders jersey.

 
Volta Catalunya stage 2 results

1.Kaden Groves (Bike Exchange) 4:44:28
2.Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain-Victorious) s.t
3.Hugo Hofstetter (Arkea-Samsic) s.t
5.Sebastian Molano (UAE Team Emirates) s.t

Volta Catalunya general Classification after stage 2

1.Jonas Hivideberg (DSM) 8:31:28
2.Michael Matthews (Bike Exchange) +1’’
3.Hugo Hofstetter (Arkea-Samsic) +7’’

5. Sebastian Molano (UAE Team Emirates) +11”

 
Coppi & Bartali stage 1 results and GC

1.Mauro Schmid (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) 4:12:48
2.Eddie Dunbar (Ineos-Grenadiers) +6’’
3.Ethan Hayter (Ineos-Grenadiers) +22’’
7.Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates) +26’’
10.Marc Hirschi (UAE Team Emirates) +26’