Italian cyclist Alessandro Petacchi won the second stage of Tirreno-Adriatico, confirming his return to form amongst the biggest teams after a rough road back to the sport’s highest level. Stage two of the race was 177km from Volterra to Marina di Carrara.

Petacchi beat fellow Italian Daniele Bennati of Liquigas and Spaniard Koldo Fernandez in a sprint finish.

Cofidis’ Frenchman Julien El Fares, who has had the lead since his first stage win, maintains his lead with a 15 second gap to a second placed Bennati.