Giulio Ciccone (Trek-Segafredo) claimed his first victory of the season on the summit finish on stage 2 of the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, taking the overall lead in the process.
The final climb of Alto de Pinos only measured 3km but came after a heavy day of climbing and saw the front group whittled down to a dozen riders.
After a dangerous attack from Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) was cancelled out, Ciccone tracked an attack from Mikel Landa (Bahrain Victorious) in the final 500 metres and accelerated through to lead through the final curve into the narrow home stretch.
From there, he made no mistake and threw his glasses in the air as he crossed the line in what is becoming his trademark celebration.
Tao Geoghegan Hart (Ineos Grenadiers) trailed behind for second place, while Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious) claimed the final podium spot as Landa faded.
With 10 bonus seconds for the stage victory, Ciccone is the new race leader, taking the leader’s jerks from stage 1 winner Biniam Girmay.
More to follow...
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