Fernando Gaviria delivered UAE Team Emirates their first stage win of the new season after the Colombian sprinter claimed victory on Stage 2 of the Vuelta a San Juan in Argentina.
Starting and finishing in Pocito, the 168.7km relatively flat course also took in laps of a circuit. Gaviria, 25, timed his sprint to perfection, coming around his rivals to seal a comfortable victory in a hectic finale.
Agrupacion Virgen De Fatima rider Nicolas Javier Naranjo finished the stage as runner-up, with Bardiani-CSF-Faizanè's Marco Benfatto in third.
As well as the stage win, Gaviria moves to the top of the General Classification standings and will wear the leader's jersey for Stage 3.
“It feels really good because it’s the first race of the season and my first race back with Max [Richeze]," Gaviria said. "Max was caught up in a crash near the end so couldn’t help but [Brandon] McNulty and [Tom] Bohli did great work.
"This win is great motivation for the team for the whole week. I will enjoy wearing the leaders jersey tomorrow.”
The third stage will be a 15.2km individual time trial, which is likely to alter the General Classification standings. From a UAE Team Emirates perspective, Bohli and McNulty will be aiming for strong performances in their first test against the clock for the 2020 season.
