Italian rider Elia Viviani, of Quick-Step Floors, won Stage 2 of the fifth edition of the Dubai Tour on Wednesday, out-sprinting Stage 1 winner Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL – Jumbo).

However, the Dutchman retains his overall lead but Viviani is now just two seconds behind.

Viviani, who was disappointed to miss out on victory in the first stage, suffered a puncture with 20 kilometres left in Stage 2, but recovered to secure the stage win. The Italian is celebrating his 29th birthday, and the result on the track was certainly a well-earned birthday gift.

He made his move with 200 metres remaining, holding off Mark Cavendish – who finished fourth – and the accelerating Groenewegen at the end, taking victory by just over half a bike’s length.

Riccardo Minali of Team Astana finished third in the stage, just ahead of Dimension Data’s Cavendish.

Meanwhile, BMC Racing Team’s Nathan Van Hoydoonck, who was among the early leaders in Wednesday’s stage, has moved up to third in the overall classification.

STAGE RESULT

1 – Elia Viviani (Quick-Step Floors) 190km in 4h34’31”, average speed 41.527km/h
2 – Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL – Jumbo) s.t.
3 – Riccardo Minali (Astana Pro Team) s.t.

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

1 – Dylan Groenewegen (Team Lotto NL – Jumbo)
2 – Elia Viviani (Quick-Step Floors) at 2”
3 – Nathan Van Hooydonck (BMC Racing Team) at 9″