Belgian Tom Boonen of Quick Step won the second stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico on Thursday after a 165-kilometre ride from Rosignano to Montecatini Terme.

Boonen saw off German Paul Martens of Rabobank and Italian Daniele Bennati of Liquigas in a sprint finish with his win making up for the disappointment of losing his bicycle chain on Wednesday.

“I’m extremely satisfied. Throughout my career I’ve won at all latitudes, a little all over the world, but I had never won in Italy,” said Boonen.

“I like Italy a lot and I also like Italian races; with this success I’ve made up for a little something that was missing on my resume, and I’m really happy.”

Cavendish Still Struggling

Peloton At Tirreno-Adriatico Second Stage

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