Team Colombia-Coldeportes’ Miguel Angel Rubiano did not disappoint in the first opportunity for climbers at Skoda-Tour de Luxembourg, stage 2 (Ell – Walferdingen 186,3 Km). The former Colombian National Champion took fifth on the finish line on the day of Linus Gerdemann, new overall leader. The Cult Energy rider won after a tight head-to-head with Marc de Maar (Team Rompoot), whilst Jelle Wallays (Topsport Vlaanderen) completed the podium.

The Escarabajos were in the spotlight in the early phases of the race with Fabio Duarte, protagonist of the day’s attempt together with Johnny Hoogerland (Team Rompoot), Stijn Steels (Topsport Vlaanderen) and Loic Pestiaux (Wallonie-Bruxelles). The breakaway group splintered in the second part of the race: Duarte and Steels distanced the other escapees but from the peloton, Gerdemann and De Maar moved on the attack with 20km to go, reaching the duo in the lead. At that point, Gerdemann and De Maar had the chance to contest the win whilst Rubiano placed fifth crossing the line in the chase group.

Rubiano’s display took him up to 12th in the overall, 1.01 behind Gerdemann, just ahead of Duarte, who is the new KOM leader.

“I feel satisfied with the guys’ performance”, Sports Director Valerio Tebaldi said. “Our goal was to be in the action with an attacking display and the guys did the job”.

Tomorrow the Escarabajos will take part in stage 3, from Eschweiler to Diekirch 161,3km.