Michael Matthews claims stage two after Nacer Bouhanni penalised over 'irregular sprint'

ByEurosport

Updated 08/03/2016 at 18:56 GMT

Michael Matthews (Orica-GreenEdge) was awarded stage two of Paris-Nice despite finishing second behind Nacer Bouhanni (Cofidis).

Bouhanni was later penalised for blocking the path of Matthews, and relegated after the peleton become disjointed in the closing moments of the 213.5km stage.

André Greipel (Lotto-Fix All), Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) and Marcel Kittel (Etixx-QuickStep) all missed the front of the race before Bouhanni pushed on with 200 metres to go on the left hand side of the road.

Matthews and Bouhanni became involved in a two-way joust and the Frenchman almost grounded the Australian as they headed for the finishing line.

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Niccolo Bonifazio (Trek Factory Racing) was promoted to second spot with Bouhanni dropping back to third place.

Matthews remains as yellow jersey leader. He leads Tom Dumoulin by 14 seconds with Britain's Geraint Thomas fifth some 19 seconds behind.

Paris-Nice stage two results

1. Michael Matthews (Aus) Orica-GreenEdge, in 5-04-46

2. Niccolo Bonifazio (Ita) Trek-Segafredo

3. Nacer Bouhanni (Fra) Cofidis, all same time

4. Alexander Kristoff (Nor) Katusha, at 1 sec

Controversy as Bouhanni disqualified in thrilling sprint finish

5. Arnaud Démare (Fra) FDJ

6. Ben Swift (GBr) Team Sky

7. André Greipel (Ger) Lotto-Fix All

8. Wouter Wipper (Ned) Cannondale

9. Adrien Petit (Fra) Direct Energie

10. Jonas Van Genechten (Bel) IAM Cycling, all same time

Overall standings

1. Michael Matthews (Aus) Orica-GreenEdge, 9-41-50

2. Tom Dumoulin (Ned) Giant-Alpecin, at 14 secs

3. Patrick Bevin (NZl) Cannondale, at 19 secs

4. Ion Izagirre (Esp) Movistar

5. Geraint Thomas (GBR) Team Sky, all same time

6. Lieuwe Westra (Ned) Astana, at 24 secs

7. Dries Devenyns (Bel) IAM Cycling, at 25 secs

8. Arnaud Démare (Fra) FDJ, st

9. Rafal Majka (Pol) Tinkoff, at 27 secs

10. Richie Porte (Aus) BMC, st

Read more at http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/michael-matthews-takes-paris-nice-stage-two-win-in-controversial-finish-215655#qzErcBfoaoIhjJ0H.99

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