Giro Stage Two: Cobra Strikes, Pellizotti in Pink, Zabriskie Crashes Out

Ricco has the flambouyance of an elite stage racer, but has yet to prove he has the legs

Riccardo Ricco took the second stage of the Giro yesterday, after he outsprinted Di Luca, Salvodelli and others, taking his first big win of the year. Full of confidence, Ricco played up his chances in interviews, claiming that taking the stage win ahead of defending champ Di Luca showed he is on good form and ready for a run at the overall. He may be, but judgement must be witheld until the race heads into the high mountains, as Ricco has had trouble with consistency in the past.

Pellizotti gets to ride for himself in 2008, as Di Luca is gone and Basso is still a year away, at best

Also involved in the sprint was Franco Pellizotti of the Liquigas team, who placed a strong fourth, and in doing so took the pink jersey. An excellent result for Pellizotti, who is enjoying his captainship of the lime green and blue team, after the departing of Di Luca. Like Ricco though, Pellizotti must prove himself in the high mountains before he can be considered a legit threat for the overall win.

Zabriskie got shoda-chopped by a railroad barrier in stage two

Finally, David Zabriskie crashed out of the Giro after being involved in a mass pile-up at a railroad crossing. A multitude of riders went down, but 'Don Quixote' took the worst beating, having to be taken to hospital. In what is a shame for Slipstream, Zabriskie heads back to the states to recover and prepare for other races on the schedule. Now word yet on where he'll make his comeback, but perhaps the Triple Crown of Cycling in Pennsylvania would be a good place to start.