Elia Viviani pips Van Poppel for Stage 2 win in Abu Dhabi

Quick-Step Floors sprinter Elia Viviani is making the most of his chances with his new team in 2018. The former Team Sky rider claimed his fourth stage win of the season with a Stage 2 victory at the five-day Abu Dhabi Tour (UCI 2.UWT) on Thursday.

The 29-year-old Italian Olympic champion out-muscled former Sky team-mate Danny van Poppel (LottoNL-Jumbo) and Pascal Ackermann (Bora-Hansgrohe) to claim the day and lift the red leader’s jersey from opening stage winner Alexander Kristoff (UAE-Team Emirates) following the 154-kilometre stage on Yas Island.

The field split into echelons late in the race, but Viviani was able to lead the re-organised field to the finish to add to his 2018 account, which already includes a stage win at the Tour Down Under in January and two at the Dubai Tour two weeks ago.

“We were ready to be the first team to create echelons, we did it 5km before and it came back together,” explained Viviani at the post-stage press conference. “When Lotto and Movistar went for it, we missed the moment.

“We were relaxed at the wrong time. They opened the gap. I told my team-mates to wait for me, not the GC riders but my lead-out train. Alexander Kristoff and other sprinters were with me, so we could close the gap. We knew the last part of the race was with a headwind.

“I feel lucky to have Quick-Step for leading me out: three guys are able to accelerate at the same speed I sprint,” continued the 2018 Dubai Tour overall winner. “Now I just have to stay focused on Fabio Sabatini’s wheel. He knows when to make an effort. He’s the best lead-out man in the world.

“He’s a different Saba than the team-mate I had at Liquigas before. With Max Richeze, we actually have the two best lead out men in the world, not just one.”

Viviani also takes the points jersey, while van Poppel dons the best young rider jersey.

“Elia Viviani is the fastest sprinter at the moment,” admitted the 24-year-old Dutchman. “It’s not a shame to be second to him. But I’m disappointed because the team did a great job and I really wanted to finish it off.

“It’ll be hard to defend the best young rider position because of the uphill finish on the last day, but it’ll be nice to race in the white jersey tomorrow.”

Abu Dhabi’s third stage presents perhaps the final day for sprinters before the time trial on Saturday and the climbing stage on Sunday. Stage 3 is a 133km flat stage at Al Marina.

For full stage and race results, click here.