Geschke wins the sprint in Porto Vecchio

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Skil-Shimano’s Simon Geschke took the first win of his professional career at the end of stage two of the Criterium International in Porto-Vecchio, Corsica, winning the bunch sprint after the peloton came back together in the last ten kilometres.

Fränk Schleck (Leopard Trek) finished safely in the peloton and so still enjoys a 20-second lead over Vassil Kiryienka before the final seven kilometre time trial stage on Sunday afternoon. Rein Taaramae (Cofidis) is third at 28 seconds.

The 75km morning road stage was over in less than two hours after another fast race.

Rémy Di Gregorio of Astana went on the offensive again after only five kilometres, along with Yukihiro Doi (Skil-Shimano), Renaud Dion (Bretagne-Schuller), Fabrice Jeandesbosz (Saur-Sojasun) and Egoi Martinez (Euskaltel).

Their advantage was 1:40 with 30km to go but the possibility of a bunch sprint inspired Garmin-Cervélo to lead the chase, with the aim of setting Brazilian national champion Murillo Fisher.

The break stayed away until five kilometres to go. Jeandesbosz tried to go alone but was caught a3.2km before the finishing line.

Thierry Hupond and Mathieu Sprick then took over from the train of Garmin-Cervélo, setting up Geschke perfectly.

“I was given a very good lead out”, said Geschke, who opened his sprint 220 metres before the line and won comfortably.

“I’m glad it was enough”, the German continued. “I’m normally not a sprinter but I’m also not a climber. I’m explosive though, so in an uphill sprint finish like this, I can do well. But this is unbelievable. I love the Criterium International. This is my third time doing this race and I’ll never forget that I got my first pro win here. I never thought my first pro win would be a bunch sprint.”

Geschke’s father Jurgen was a true sprinter. He was a star on the track; racing for East Germany in the 70’s and won three world championships titles. He rode the Olympics in 1972 and 1976, winning two medals in the tandem and sprint.

“I’m a very different cyclist to my dad”, said Geschke who rode the Tour de France for Skil-Shimano in his first year pro in 2009.