The 127.8-kilometre stage on 11 October ran from Bungoono to Minamiaso, according to TVI, and ended in a sprint of roughly 30 riders. Ivo Oliveira crossed the line in 3:03:31 to win stage two of the Tour of Kyushu and take the overall lead. William Heffernan of Australia finished behind him. Britain's Luke Mudgway recorded the same time.
Tuttobiciweb reported that the 30-year-old Oliveira's stage win was his first of the season and his eighth professional victory. It ended a winless spell of almost 16 months, dating back to the previous year's Portuguese championships.
Team work set up the final kilometre
UAE Emirates-XRG's teammates controlled the main group and tracked attacks, keeping Oliveira in contention as the race stayed close. With 20 kilometres left, he took three bonus seconds at an intermediate sprint for the second time in a row.
Then Oliveira waited for the final kilometre.
Oliveira's move into the overall lead also followed the withdrawal of Matteo Malucelli, winner of stage one, during the second stage. CyclingPro.net reported that Malucelli's exit contributed to the change at the top of the general classification.
Oliveira credited his teammates with controlling the race from the opening kilometres and supporting him through the finish. He said he enjoys racing in Japan and wants to secure the overall title for himself. He also named his team and family as reasons.
Margins have decided results in other sports too. Shabab Al Ahli secured its first ADIB Cup win over United. Oliveira's immediate task is to protect his reported advantage through one final stage. After stage two, no result for the final stage or overall winner had been confirmed. The scheduled 123.6-kilometre Miyazaki to Miyazaki stage was due to close the race on Monday.
