Maciej Paterski maintained his lead in the general classification after stage 2 of Volta Ciclista a Catalunya. CCC Sprandi Polkowice rode at the front of the bunch for most of the day and controlled the break’s lead.
 

"The plan was to let a few escapees break clear at the beginning of the stage, let them gain a few minutes of advantage and then control the situation," sports director Piotr Wadecki said. "This is exactly what happened. We stayed in front, setting a solid and stable pace. In the end we were hoping that other teams, who have fast riders on their rosters and wanted to win the stage, would also contribute to the chase. And they did, so the plan was fulfilled.

"The only thing that didn’t work out, was the fact that Sylwester Szmyd lost contact with the bunch on the descent and arrived at the finish almost 4 minutes behind the winner. He was aiming for a good general classification, but now we have to change our plans regarding that.

"Many things can happen on tomorrow’s stage but Maciej Paterski is in good shape and we will continue to protect the leader’s jersey."

After yesterday's win for Paterski it was the first day of protecting the lead in the race for CCC Sprandi Polkowice. The stage began with establishing a 4-man breakaway with Guillermo Mas Lluís (Caja Rural), Tsgabu Grmay (Lampre-Merida), Sam Bewley (Orica GreenEdge) and Tom Stamsnijder (Giant-Alpecin).

The “orange squad” was leading the bunch and controlled the gap, which never exceeded 4 minutes. The entire team was riding at the head of the peloton not only to chase down the escapees but for safety. It was a rainy day in Catalunya and it’s always important to stay out of trouble in such conditions.

The Polkowice-based team was holding the escape on a 2:30 leash, not wanting to catch the group to soon. It was to prevent riders from other teams to launch late attacks from the bunch.

The breakaway was reeled in with 15km to go and despite cat. 3 climb close from the finish, it all came down to a sprint finish. Paterski was sitting safely in the middle of the group, while Alejandro Valverde finished off great lead-out from his teammate from Movistar José Joaquín Rojas and took the win. Rojas managed to claim 2nd. Martin Elmiger (IAM Cycling) rounded out the podium.

Paterski lost no time and kept his leader's jersey. He and the entire team will protect it on tomorrow’s stage around Girona with the cat. 1 climb Alt Dels Angels, which is located about 10km from the finish line.