UTRECHT, Netherlands — Tyler Farrar made a late charge to win the second stage of the Giro d`Italia in a sprint finish on Sunday, while Cadel Evans took the overall leader`s pink jersey.
The American rider recovered from being involved in a crash earlier in the race to win the 130-mile stage in 4 hours, 56 minutes, 46 seconds.
Matthew Goss of Australia was second and Fabio Sabatini of Italy was third.
“I am so happy,” Farrar said. “It`s beautiful. My goal was to win a stage. I have done that. Now I will try to win another stage.”
Evans overtook the pink jersey from prologue winner Bradley Wiggins, who also fell in a mass crash but continued. Farrar is one second behind in second place overall.
A three-man group including Paul Voss, Stephano Pirazzi and Rick Flens made an early breakaway, maintaining their lead until Voss launched a brief solo surge about 20 miles from the finish line. However, he quickly lost steam and was overtaken by a group of riders led by Sabatini.
Sunday`s flat stage was marred by numerous crashes.
“It was one of the most ridiculously dangerous races I have encountered in my career,” Evans said. “I don`t know why everyone was so nervous.”
The stage began in Amsterdam, passing through vast farmlands and numerous medieval towns before ending in Utrecht.
The Giro, which heads to the southern city of Middelburg in today`s third flat stage before moving to Italy, ends with an individual time trial May 30 in Verona.
The Netherlands, renowned for its vibrant cycling culture, will play host to the Tour de France opener July 3.
Giro d`Italia
At Utrecht, Netherlands
Second Stage
130 miles from Amsterdam to Utrecht
1. Tyler Farrar, United States, Garmin-Transitions, 4, hours, 56 minutes, 46 seconds.
2. Mathew Goss, Australua, HTC Columbia, same time.
3. Fabio Sabatini, Italy, Liquigas Doimo, same time.
4. Andre Greipel, Germany, HTC Columbia, same time.
5. Alessando Pettachi, Italy Lampre, same time.
6. Christopher Sutton, Australia, Sky Team, same time.
7. Robert Mcewen, Australia, Katusha, same time.
8. Graeme Brown, Australia, Rabobank,( same time).
9. Julian Dean, New Zealand, Garmin-Tranitions, same time.
10. Sacha Modolo, Italy, Colnago, same time.
Overall standings (After two stages)
1. Cadel Evans, Australia, BMC Racing Team, 5:07:09.
2. Tyler Farrar, United States, Garmin-Transitions 1 second behind.
3. Alexandre Vinokourov, Kazakhstan, Astana, :03.
4. Richie Porte, Australia, Saxo Bank, :03.
5. David Millar, Britain, Garmin-Transitions, :04.
6. Jos Van Emden, Netherlands, Rabobank, :07.
7. Vincenzo Nibali, Italy, Liquigas-Doimo, :08.
8. Tom Stamsnijder, Netherlands, Rabobank, :09.
9. Marcel Sieberg, Germany, HTC Columbia, :10.
10. Matthew Harley Goss, Australia, HTC Columbia, :13.
