Escapees aren’t likely to have a chance today as the sprint teams will want to grab this opportunity with both hands. The second stage of this year’s Giro d'Itali s perfect for a bunch sprint.

André Greipel is ready for the battle.

“This is one of the stages which we can expect will end with a bunch sprint. The Giro has just begun, everyone still feels fresh, so it will be a nervous finale. There are seven or eight riders who are capable of winning and I am one of them. After a difficult first part of the season I rode the Tour of Turkey to prepare for the Giro. I hope to be able to sprint for the victory today and tomorrow," he said.