LAMPRE-MERIDA delivered a very good performance in the second stage of Vuelta al Pais Vasco to achieve the goal: support Rui Costa.

Despite the 5 climbs (one of 1st category and four of 3rd category) that characterized the 175,4 km course from Bilbao to Vitoria, the 2nd stage of the Vuelta al Pais Vasco ended in a mass sprint that was won by Felline (Trek Factory), who beat Matthews (leader of the overall classification).

Serpa and Ulissi were at the start despite yesterday's crashes. The other riders were focused on supporting captain Rui Costa, who maaged to approach all the climbs in the front positions of the group and avoided risks in the final kilometers when the pace of the bunch was raised.

The first blue-fuchsia-green cyclist to cross the finish line was Rui Costa in 26th. He is now 18th in the overall classification (same time as leader Matthews).

"Our target for today's stage was to be in the head positions in the run-in to the climbs and in the final part of the race: we achieved our goals, thanks to the good performance by the whole team and especially thanks to Polanc, who was perfect in supporting Rui Costa in the final kilometers. An applause goes to all our riders, even Serpa and Ulissi who gritted their teeth after yesterday.  The pace is always high, it is not easy to stay near the front. It will be interesting to see who will be fresh for the main challenges," sports director Philippe Mauduit explained.