Having taken over the pink jersey at the end of yesterday’s stage by virtue of his bonus seconds, Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) consolidated his hold on the leader’s jersey by winning today’s stage of the Giro d’Italia.  The Australian won the sprint out of a peloton that contained fifty riders after a short stage that unfolded at a very fast pace considering the number of climbs they faced. 

In the aftermath of a day that was again marked by repeated crashes, the IAM Cycling team regained some of its color under the hot Ligurian sun.  Both Stef Clement and Sébastien Reichenbach were safely contained in the main group of favorites at the finish in Sestri Levante.  Matteo Pelucchi, however, suffered through the day largely due to the painful ankle he picked up in yesterday’s crashes, and finished among the group of riders just out-pacing the broom wagon.

For his first Giro, Sébastien Reichenbach has not been disappointed with the terrain. 

“There has not be a quiet moment on this stage.  It took off very quickly and then never let up; no wonder the team was not able to keep together before crossing the line.  In addition to the fatiguing climbs, the descents were very technical, where it was super important to choose the correct line.  The crashes mounted.  Personally, I had a good day.  I stayed well protected by the team.  But I also know that there will be stages where I will have to deal with the prospect of losing time to the big favorites.”

Having arrived with the second main group behind the leaders, Heinrich Haussler was prepared to take his misfortune with benevolence. 

“I had good legs despite the crashes I suffered in the second stage, but today was a really hard day.  The Tinkoff team forced an unforgiving pace.  And I was not able to keep up with the fastest on the final six kilometer climb that had an 8% gradient.  It certainly will be the same scenario in the majority of the stages this week.  But I am not going to be discouraged.  There will be a day when I will have the chance to show the best of what I can do.” 

Kjell Carlström, one of the directeurs sportifs for IAM Cycling along with Rubens Bertogliati, is also convinced the team will have its day. 

“We have to be patient because stages like today, as well as the stage Tuesday, will not be restricted to the punchers.  To outwit the pink jersey, it will be an ideal situation to get in a breakaway with ten good riders.  Hopefully we will not miss the opportunity when it arises.”