Tour of Britain

17-09-2013 06:29:18

Gerald Ciolek won the second stage of the Tour of Britain on Monday, pipping Sam Bennett to the finish line to become the new race leader.

Ciolek (MTN-Qhubeka) and Bennett (An Post-Chain Reaction) moved past Thomas Lovkvist (IAM Cycling), who was leading with 500 meters to go, before the German edged out Bennett in a sprint finish to claim victory.

The 26-year-old, who won the Milano-Sanremo in March and came third on Sunday’s first stage in Scotland, finished in just over five hours to claim the leader’s jersey.

Great Britain’s Simon Yates is up to second in the general classification after finishing fourth, with riders covering 186.6 kilometers, including the race’s first Cat. 1 climb, on the Carlisle to Kendal stage.

Former Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins (Sky) crossed the line 17 seconds off the lead and is 12th overall, but there was more disappointment for British champion Mark Cavendish (Omega Pharma-Quick Step), who lost 47 seconds. Cavendish had the platform laid for him by his teammates in Sunday’s first stage, from Peebles to Drumlanrig Castle, but he was boxed in and slipped off the pace.

The Tour of Britain continues Tuesday with the 16km stage 3 individual time trial at Knowsley Safari Park

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