Michele Gazzoli had one year off the peloton following the an anti-doping violation, and came back to racing yesterday at the Arctic Race of Norway. His career was once again turned on it's head as the Italian took the biggest win of his career on stage 2.
A rainy and windy day in Northern Norway, it was a nightmare for many riders. The exposed roads saw plenty echelons throughout the afternoon, however towards the end of the day it was a bunch finish that was to decide the outcome of the day.
It was indeed a bunch sprint coming alight to decide the day, albeit an unexpected one. The hilltop finish allowed the puncheurs and classics riders to come for the front whilst the pure sprinters struggled. In the end it was a very unexpected finale.
As most riders lacked the explosivity due to the effort, Christian Scaroni hit the front for Astana, followed by Gazzoli, who sprinted away from the rest briefly after, taking a very emotional win whilst his teammate rode to second on the day. Jonathan Lastra of Cofidis finished third on the day.
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