BORA – ARGON 18 rider Jose Mendes proved his climbing qualities at the second stage of the Giro del Trentino.

The key obstacle of the day was a Hors Category mountain classification that had to be conquered 20 kilometers before the finish of todays 168 kilometers. That mountain led to a selection in the field and a lead group with less than 20 riders went to the finale. Richie Porte (Sky) attacked from that group on the final climb and he saved a gap of 16 seconds to the finish. Mikel Landa (Astana) and Damiano Cunego (Nippo - Vini Fantini) finished second and third respectively.

With his stage victory, Porte also took over the lead in the overall classification where he replaces Cesare Benedetti of BORA – ARGON 18. Mendes finished 10th in the stage and he is now ranked in 5th place of the GC.

"A break away group, that we were content with, was established rather quickly. We were responsible for the chase today because we were the leader in the general classification. So we didn’t want to grant the attackers too much of a lead. We knew that the penultimate climb will cause the preliminary decision for the stage win. Until that point our climbers could save some energy, so they could ride as best as possible. Jose felt really strong today and he was able to keep up with the favorites. The fifth place in the general classification is a top result for him. Dominik [Nerz] and Emanuel [Buchmann] also rode well today. All in all it was a good day for the team. It wasn’t realistic to defend the leader’s jersey and therefore we are not disappointed. Instead it was a very normal and solid stage for us. Now we are focussed to defend the great 5th place in the GC“, comments Sport Director Enrico Poitschke the day.