Napolitano wins in Belgium

Italian sprinter Danilo Napolitano shot to another victory for his Katusha team after taking the flowers Saturday in the second stage at the Three Days of West Flanders in Belgium.

The stocky Italian won ahead of last year’s winner Bobby Traksel (Vacansoleil) while French rider Denis Flahaut (Landbouwkrediet) came through third in the 179.3km stage from Torhout to Handzame.

“My teammates did a very good job today,” said Napolitano. “We always ride in the first position and in the final 5km, we took control of the head of the group. I won the sprint even for a little.”

The win is the second on the year for Napolitano and the ninth for Katusha.

Overnight leader and stage one winner Johnny Hoogerland (Vacansoleil) finished in the main pack and retained the race leader’s jersey going into Sunday’s finale.

The race concludes Sunday with the 185.7km third stage starting and finishing in Ichtegem.

FILED UNDER: Road