For the second day in a row Luka Mezgec managed to sprint to a top 10 finish at the Abu Dhabi Tour. On today’s stage 2 it was Elia Viviani, being the fastest and also taking the race lead.

After yesterday’s stage in extreme hot weather conditions the riders in the Abu Dhabi Tour prepared for another day in the desert heat. Today’s stage was raced on a pan-flat course of 129km with start and finish in the capital city of the Emirates.

Again six riders formed the day’s break after a short fight early in the stage. Astana Pro Cycling and Giant-Alpecin took control at the bunch as the classic bunch sprint scenario unfolded.

The bunch sprint in the streets at the Yas Mall was won by Elia Viviani (Team Sky) and Mezgec took fourth. Viviani also takes over the race lead.

“Unfortunately Marcel [Kittel] punctured at 7km from the finish and we missed him in leading-out Luka,” explained coach Aike Visbeek. “The guys showed good teamwork by bringing him in position for the sprint and fortunately they are getting used to the heat as well.

“Luka made a small mistake in the last corner and lost some positions due to that, but he is feeling better by the day and on Sunday we will have our chance again.”

Luka Mezgec added: “I didn’t have the ideal line in the final couple of hundred meters and lost positions. Therefore I had to do my effort too early and I had too little left in the end.”