Bardiani-CSF took another top 10 result in today's second stage of the Dubai Tour when Nicola Ruffoni sprinted to 10th place after a good come ack in the last 50 meters. Close to first ten riders, Paolo Simion defended his lead in the youth competition.
The stage saw an early breakaway of four riders stay in front for the most of the time, with the Tunisian Rafaa Chtioui (Skydive Dubai) being caught as the final rider with 10km to go.
The peloton arrived full gas on the artificial peninsula of Palm Jumeirah where both Ruffoni and Simion struggled to find the right position due to the narrow road . Only Ruffoni was able to get a space and sprint in the last 50 meters, reaching a solid 10th place.
In the General Classification, Battaglin moves up to 6th, looking with confidence to the decisive stage.
”It’s a pity because I believed that today could be a right opportunity to get a better result," Ruffoni said. "The last kilometers were so tricky, with narrow road, bump and a sharp turn with 1km to go. There were some skids in front of the peloton and I found my self too far back. Only in the last 50 meters I saw a space on the right side, I came back fast but it was late for the first positions.
"Tomorrow's stage will probably be too hard for me, so I’ll try to help the team. My next appointment will be the final day where another bunch sprint is expected."
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