Emmen, Netherlands - Milram rider Gerald Ciolek won Sunday's second stage of cycling's Tour of Spain in a sprint finish in the Dutch town of Emmen. The 22-year-old German clocked 4 hours 43 minutes 12 seconds on the 203.7-kilometre stage from Assen to just edge Italy's Fabio Sabatini riding for Liquigas and Britain's Roger Hammond of Cervelo.
It was a first Vuelta stage victory for Ciolek who is second behind overall leader Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland, of the Saxo Bank team, the winner of Saturday's opening time-trial.
"This was a hugely important win for us, and will give us a lot of confidence for the three weeks ahead," Milram sports chief Ralf Grabsch said.
Cancellara, who finished the stage 26th, has an overall lead of eight seconds over Ciolek, with Belgium's Tom Boonen (Quick Step) a further second back.
The Vuelta stays in the Netherlands on Monday when the third stage over 189km takes the field from Zutphen to Venlo, including a short section in Germany.
The tour will first arrive in Spain on Thursday after the circuit takes in Belgium before Wednesday's rest day.
