Giro stage 2 BackstedtDespite heroic efforts today by the entire Slipstream/Chipotle H3O - and especially Magnus Backstedt - Christian Vande Velde finished 10″ behind Franco Pellizotti, who took over the pink leader’s jersey by 1″. The Argyle Armada worked at the front all day, first chasing down an early break and then keeping the pace high to deliver Christian to the finish in good condition.

The finish was a brutal, uphill battle and Christian did all he could to hang tight to the leaders. But a final sprint by the Spanish national champion and a counter-attack by Ricco opened up just enough of a gap to make the difference.

Slipstream Stage 2
1. Riccardo Ricco 5:48′35″

19. Christian Vande Velde +10″
102. David Millar +2′04″
105. Ryder Hesjedal +3′03″
144. Julian Dean +7′55″
182. Magnus Backstedt +11′40″
188. Chris Sutton +11′40″
191. Pat McCarty +11′40
194. Danny Pate +11′40

General Classification
1. Franco Pellizotti 6:15′16″

2. Christian Vande Velde +1″
85. David Millar +2′14″
97. Ryder Hesjedal +2′54″
131. Julian Dean +7′46″
144. Magnus Backstedt +11′31″
179. Pat McCarty +13′33″
180. Danny Pate +13′33″
192. Chris Sutton +15:56″