*** ----> Bahrain Victorious’ Milan takes general ranking lead in Saudi Tour | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Bahrain Victorious’ Milan takes general ranking lead in Saudi Tour

TDT | Manama                                           

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com  

Team Bahrain Victorious rider Jonathan Milan moved to the top of the general ranking yesterday after finishing a close second in the 159.2-kilometre third stage of the Saudi Tour, part of this year’s Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Asia circuit.

After taking a fine victory in stage two, Milan was once again in contention over the final metres of the third of five legs, but only narrowly missed out on a repeat place at the top of the podium. The Italian was beaten to the finish by Soren Waerenskjold of Uno-X Pro Cycling Team.

Cees Bol of Astana Qazaqstan Team came third. Despite this, Milan’s runner-up finish was enough to propel him to first place on the general classification for individual competitors, where he enjoys an eight-second gap over his closest challenger.

Milan is also the leader in the race’s points and youth rankings. Santiago Buitrago was the only other Bahrain Victorious rider in the top 20 of yesterday’s stage ranking. He is also 12th overall on the general ranking heading into the tour’s last two legs.

The Saudi Tour continues today with the fourth and penultimate stage, set to be held over 163.5 kilometres, starting from Maraya and finishing at Skyviews of Harrat Uwayrid. Bahrain Victorious are competing with seven riders in the Saudi Tour, which is set to conclude tomorrow.

Bahraini Ahmed Madan is a part of the squad, as are Filip Maciejuk, Rainer Kepplinger, Andrea Pasqualon and Dusan Rajovic.