Italian Takes San Luis Opening Stage

Last updated : 24 January 2012 By Kev Monks

Italian Francesco Chicchi who rides for the Omega Pharma - Quick Step team won the opening stage of the Tour De San Luis in Argentina on Monday.

The 189.3km stage from San Luis to Villa Mercedes was held in torrential rain and saw a sprint finish for the field reduced to 172 riders, with the Italian beating Team Saxo Bank's Juan Jose Haedo and Mauro Richeze to win in a time of 4:53:18.

Alberto Contador finished 21st. 

Argentinian Emmanuel Guevara of the San.Luis Somos Todos team leads the way in the King Of The Mountains competition, whilst his team-mate Maximiliano Badde leads the sprint classification. Movistar lead the Team Classification.

Stage two on Tuesday is from Fraga to Juana Koslay and is 145.3 kms long.