UAE Team Emirates’ Italian sprinter Sacha Modolo earned a top-five finish at stage two of the Vuelta a Espana yesterday, crossing the finish line fifth in France.

Modolo’s team-mate, Moroccan rider Anass Ait el Abdia, wasn’t as fortunate as he got caught up in a crash with half a dozen other riders – including Javi Moreno of Bahrain Merida and Marc Fournier (FDJ) – forcing him to withdraw from the race following the treacherous stage.

“It was an extremely nervewracking stage that was made harder with high speeds throughout and windy weather conditions,” Modolo said.

“I managed to get into a good position and choose the right timing to start my sprint, though I have to be honest, my legs felt quite heavy today and not in their best condition.

“Seeing as that was the case, fifth place is pretty good.”