Francesco Chicchi managed a top 10 finish in a chaotic final kilometers, that included a crash that held up much of the peloton.
Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team had the leadout ready for Chicchi, who was third wheel with less than 6km to go. However, about two kilometers from the finish, the massive crash left only a select group with the chance to compete for the sprint, and it appeared most, if not all, riders in Chicchi's leadout were caught behind the crash.
Chicchi gave it his best, but Theo Bos (Rabobank) earned the victory, with Matthew Goss (GreenEDGE) taking second. Daniele Colli (Team Type 1-Sanofi) was third.
"Chicchi started the sprint a bit too early and he wasn't able to maintain until the end," Sports Director Wilfried Peeters said. "Tomorrow is another stage similar to today. In the final climb our riders will try to help, and we hope Chicchi can pass the climb so he can try to sprint again."
