In a classical attack-counterattack move, Damiano Cunego and Diego Ulissi (Lampre-Merida) secured both the stage win and the overall lead on stage 2 of the Italian race Coppi e Bartali. After the stage a jubilant Ulissi explained the team tactics.

"I'm so satisfied I won such a demanding stage and I'm very happy I could finally win, at the end of a period in which my shape was very good but I couldn't win. The opponents’ teams made the race very tough, but Cunego, Pietropolli and I were able to manage the situation. Then, in the decisive moments, I talked with Damiano [Cunego] and we decided to cooperate in attacking one after the other. Cunego's attempt was good, but the other riders could bridge the gap, and then I performed my counterattack: I knew I had enough energy and so I could avoid being caught by the chase group. The classification situation is good for me and Damiano, but it will be important to recover energies and to pay attention in view of the next demanding stages."
 

Result stage 2:
1 Diego Ulissi - Lampre-Merida 4.33.23
2 Miguel Angel Rubiano Chavez - Androni Giocattoli 0.34”
3 Damiano Cunego - Lampre-Merida 1.11”
4 Radoslav Rogina - Adria Mobil
5 Riccardo Zoidl - Team Gourmetfein Simplon 1.15”
6 Davide Rebellin - CCC Polsat Polkowice
7 Francesco Manuel Bongiorno - Bardiani Valvole-CSF Inox
8 Leopold König - Team NetApp-Endura 1.16”
9 Sergio Pardilla Bellon - MTN-Qhubeka 1.20”
10 Ivan Basso - Cannondale Pro Cycling 1.38”

General classification:
1 Diego Ulissi - Lampre-Merida 7.08.55
2 Miguel Angel Rubiano Chavez - Androni Giocattoli 0.58”
3 Damiano Cunego - Lampre-Merida 1.17”
4 Davide Rebellin - CCC Polsat Polkowice 1.40”
5 Leopold König - Team NetApp-Endura 1.42”
6 Ivan Basso - Cannondale Pro Cycling
7 Francesco Manuel Bongiorno - Bardiani Valvole-CSF Inox 1.46”
8 Riccardo Zoidl - Team Gourmetfein Simplon 1.52”
9 Sergio Pardilla Bellon - MTN-Qhubeka 2.06”
10 Philip Deignan – United Healthcare Pro Cycling Team 2.12”