The 2008 generation takes center stage at the Giro della Lunigiana with Kristian Haugetun and Seff Van Kerckhove as protagonists of a brutal and selective second stage that saw a change at the top of the general classification.

The race was decided on the final climb of Vezzano Ligure, the fifth mountain grand prix of the day. At the foot of the Pascarella climb, Morlino (Piedmont), and Frigo (Veneto) were leading the race with a 15" advantage over the French rider Le Pann and 50" over the Green Jersey group.

However, the peloton's pursuit was impressive, and in the last kilometer, the three were caught. Morlino tried to surprise everyone with a long sprint, but 50 meters from the finish line, Haugetun made the decisive move, giving Norway its first stage victory since 1983.

Behind him, Van Kerckhove finished third, conquering the Green Jersey thanks to time bonuses and the small gap from Anatol Friedl, who finished seventh at 3".

Tomorrow, the Giro della Lunigiana will offer a double commitment with two half-stages to be faced within a few hours.

STAGE RESULTS

1 - Kristian Haugetun (Norway), 96.3 km in 2h27'01" at an average of 39.297 km/h
2 - Luca Morlino (Piedmont) s.t.
3 - Seff Van Kerckhove (Belgium) s.t.
4 - Giacomo Rosato (Veneto) s.t.
5 - Marek Stiblik (Czech Republic) at 3"

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

1 - Seff Van Kerckhove (Belgium)
2 - Anatol Friedl (Austria) at 3"
3 - Kristian Haugetun (Norway) at 14"
4 - Luca Morlino (Piedmont) at 18"
5 - Giacomo Rosato (Veneto) at 24"