The HC finishing climb of Tour of Austria Stage 2, Kitzbüheler Horn, left no prisoners on Monday. Only a handful of riders were able to keep up with the high pace set at the front of the field, and three riders battled for the race victory in the final kilometers.
Danilo Di Luca (Acqua & Sapone) rode away from Steve Morabito (BMC Racing Team) and Thomas Rohregger (Radioshack-Nissan), climbing mostly seated, with a very steady cadence, on gradients that reached ramps of more than 20 percent. Morabito managed to beat Rohregger for 2nd place.
A demolished field rode in behind the three, with riders spread out all over the climb. Kristof Vandewalle was the top finisher for Omega Pharma - Quick-Step, in 32nd place. Three riders had escaped early, but were caught before the HC climb began. Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team led the way during the final moments of the chase.
"It was a really hard finish," Sports Director Tom Steels said. "One of the hardest — I think — in cycling. There are 7.6 kilometers, with an average of 12 percent. Especially in the last 3 kilometers, there are some parts in it that are 22 percent. It is a very steep climb. We tried to go with Serge Pauwels, Julien Vermote and Kristof who is rebuilding. Vermote, this is his first opportunity since the Belgian Championships and a period of rest. So, they did OK. That type of climb is very particular. It is a very difficult climb. So we will see for the next stage. The GC was lost today, we are too far back, but now maybe we can go for the stage wins."