Cavendish claims leader's pink jersey at Giro

Sunday, 8 May 2011 21:05

Mark Cavendish has claimed the Giro d'Italia's pink jersey - worn by the race leader - for the second time in his career.

But the Manx Missile was left fuming as he was edged out by Alessandro Petacchi at the end of today's second stage.

During the sprint finish, the veteran Italian moved off his line twice, veering first left, then right, in a calculated bid to keep Cavendish at bay.

The ploy succeeded, and was adjudged by race officials to have been within the rules.

Although Cavendish gestured angrily at Petacchi as they crossed the line, he quickly calmed down.

Tweeting shortly afterwards he said, "What happened today is sprinting and that's why I love it. It's about tactics as well as power."

Peter Kennaugh was classed as finishing 139th, and was one of a huge number of riders given the same time as the leaders.

Thanks to time bonuses, Cavendish has a 12-second lead going into tomorrow's third stage, which covers the 173km from Reggio Emilia to Rapallo.

Cavendish claims leader's pink jersey at Giro

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