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Two in a row for Meersman

Madrid - Belgian rider Gianni Meersman retained the overall lead in the Tour of Catalonia after making it two stages wins in as many days on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old beat home Italian Daniele Ratto and Brett Lancaster of Australia in a sprint finish to the 160.7km ride from Girona to Banyuls.

Meersman sits atop the overall standings, 16sec ahead of Spain's Alejandro Valverde with Swiss Danilo Wyss a further four second adrift.

Meersman benefited from a crash on the final bend which saw several contenders for the stage win come to grief or being hindered so badly they had no chance of recovering.

On Wednesday the overall favourites for the title such as Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins should come to the fore as the riders face their first tough challenge with the 180km ride climaxing at the ski station of Vallter 2000.

Results on Tuesday from the second stage of the Volta a Catalunya, a 160.7km leg from Girona to Banyoles:

1. Gianni Meersman, Belgium, Omega Pharma-Quick-Step, 3 hours, 47 minutes, 43 seconds.
2. Daniele Ratto, Italy, Cannondale, same time.
3. Brett Lancaster, Australia, Orica Greenedge, same time.
4. Samuel Dumolin, France, AG2R La Mondiale, same time.
5. Robert Wagner, Germany, Blanco Pro Cycling, same time.
6. Julien Simon, France, Sojasun, same time.
7. Maurits Lammertink, Netherlands, Vacansoliel-DCM, same time.
8. Laurent Pichon, France, FDJ, same time.
9. Danilo Wyss, Switzerland, BMC Racing, same time.
10. Manuele Mori, Italy, Lampre-Merida, same time.

Overall Standings (equals) (After 2 of 7 stages):

1. Gianni Meersman, Belgium, Omega Pharma-Quick-Step, 7:43.32.
2. Valerio Agnoli, Italy, Astana, 14 seconds behind.
3. Alejandro Valverde, Spain, Movistar, .02.
4. Danilo Wyss, Switzerland, BMC Racing, .06.
5. Robert Gesink, Netherlands, Blanco Pro Cycling, same time.
6. Dario Cataldo, Italy, Sky Procycling, same time.
7. David Lopez, Spain, Sky Procycling, same time.
8. Bradley Wiggins, Britain, Sky Procycling, same time.
9. Jesus Herrada, Spain, Movistar, same time.
10. Daniel Martin, Ireland, Garmin-Sharp, same time.
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