Sbaragli 5th once again in Korea

The 2nd stage of the Tour de Korea saw the young Briton, Richard Handley (Rapha Condor JLT) take out the stage after being able to survive from the days original early break. Handley was able to out sprint his breakaway partner Sungbaek Park (KSPO) for the win while the first chase group charged home some 35″ later, Grega Bole (Vini Fantini Nippo) was the rider who led them across the line. Kristian Sbaragli from Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung was third in the chase group sprint, placing the Italian 5th on the stage.

The days original break actually consisted of 5 riders that would later become 3 riders for the majority of the stage. Handley, Park and Ki Seok Lee (Seoul Cycling Team) were the riders who would enjoy a maximum lead of 5’35” as Team Vini Fantini Nippo set the pace in the peloton. As the stage came to a close Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung decided to light up the racing with a few attacks from the peloton.

The increased impetus saw a number of riders getting dropped with a select group of 40 odd riders forming as the first chase group with less than 20km’s to go. Lee felt the pressure upfront and was eventually dropped from the break but Handley and Park were strong enough to hold off the chasers.

Rider – Dennis van Niekerk

It was a hectic start as always in Korea with lots of attacks and breaks going off the front. After about 40km’s 3 guys finally got a gap and Vini Fantini Nippo chased all day but they didn’t do a very good job as the break was always gaining time. With about 70km to go we started attacking again to get the bunch fired up and to try and close the gap to the break. With 25km to go a break then formed with 4 of our riders present. There was another big GC selection as there will be everyday, we just have to gamble on the right move for us to succeed and the tour can be ours.

Directeur Sportif – Kevin Campbell

The stage was a little frustrating to be honest. The team is very strong and the riders have a great attitude but we have been unable to finish off and get a result. We did finish with 4 riders in the front group today though and tomorrow we hope hope we can finish the stage off with a win.

Stage Results