After yesterday's carnage Cadel Evans had an less stressful day in the Giro d'Italia and finished safely with the bunch. He is now ready to take on tomorrow's first big mountain stage.

BMC Racing Team's Cadel Evans remained second overall at the Giro d'Italia Friday in what he described as a "much less stressful day" featuring a bunch sprint finish. Five riders were away the majority of the 211-kilometer race and only reeled in three kilometers from the finish.

Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr) took the win ahead of Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek Factory Racing) and Luka Mezgec (Team Giant-Shimano). Michael Matthews (ORICA-GreenEDGE) kept the overall lead, 21 seconds ahead of Evans.

"It was a much less stressful day, but still fast in the finish," Evans said. "The guys kept me up front at any points that quite possibly could have been dangerous. It was a much better day for everyone on dry roads. Most people managed to stay safe, so we are quite happy to have a day like this."

Saturday's 179-km stage marks the first day in the mountains.

"It is the first really important day of the Giro, so it is good to just arrive in the group without being too stressed," Evans said.