The German Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain), after a fall without consequences in the initial kilometers of the race, won the 2nd stage of the cycling Tour Down Under in the sprint, the first in line after yesterday's prologue time trial, disputed with start and finish in Tanunda, near Adelaide (Australia).
3h37'35" was the time of the winner, who crossed the line ahead of the Australians Caleb Ewans, second, and Michael Matthews, third. The Italian Alessandro Covi was fourth.
The other blue, Alberto Bettiol (EF Education First), retained the leader's jersey of the stage race which inaugurates the pedal racing season, at the end of a 149.9 kilometer long and particularly eventful stage.
"I crashed heavily, the race was very nervous, many riders ended up on the ground", commented Bauhaus who, at the age of 28, took his 20th victory today as a professional.
Tomorrow the 3rd stage is scheduled, from Brighton to Victor Harbor, 154.8 kilometers long.
The Australian race will conclude on Saturday.