Meersman sprints to victory in 2nd stage of Spanish Vuelta

BAIONA, Spain (AP) Belgium's Gianni Meersman beat a pack of sprinters to claim the Spanish Vuelta's second stage on Sunday for his first win at a grand tour.

The 30-year-old Meersman was launched by his Etixx-Quick Step team in the final meters and stayed in front of a huge group to win the relatively flat 160.8-kilometer (99.9-mile) ride from Ourense to Baiona.

Poland's Michal Kwiatkowski took the leader's red jersey from Sky teammate Peter Kennaugh for Monday's mountain stage.

Chris Froome, also of Sky, and Movistar rivals Nairo Quintana and Alejandro Valverde remained on the same time with Kwiatkowski.

On Monday, riders face a 170-kilometer (105.6-mile) route along the Atlantic coast starting in Marin. A flat first half is followed by three climbs finishing at the Mirador de Ezaro summit.