Elia Viviani apologises to teammates after second place in Mallorca

New Team Sky recruit Elia Viviani says sorry for not capitalising on the hard work of his lead-out train, as IAM Cycling's Matteo Pelucchi surges to victory

Matteo Pelucchi wins the 2015 Trofeo Santanyi, with Elia Viviani (right) taking second

(Image credit: Watson)

Sprinter Elia Viviani has high hopes for Team Sky’s lead-out train at the upcoming Dubai Tour after he sped to second place on Challenge Mallorca’s first day.

The Italian was pipped by IAM Cycling’s Matteo Pelucchi to the podium’s top spot, with Movistar’s Jose Joaquin Rojas rounding out the top three.

Viviani praised his teammates, saying they provided the perfect lead-out, and apologised for not capitalising on their hard work.

“I’m sorry for everyone I couldn’t finish it off.” he told the Team Sky website.

“Pelucchi came from behind and he started the sprint just before me. Once he had jumped I just didn’t have the speed to pull him back before the line.

“We’re happy because it was the first lead-out we’ve done together. We had a good feeling with Andy Fenn and Bernie (Eisel), and before that with Danny Pate, (Ian) Boswell and Xabi (Zandio).

“Now we’re already thinking about Sunday. We’ll take the positives from what we did today and I think next week in Dubai, if we have this feeling now after one race, we can improve and make the best lead-out in the group. I’m looking forward to it.”

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.