Intro:

Germany's Marcel Kittel won the second stage of the Giro d'Italia in Northern Ireland.

Michael Matthews of Australia took over at the top of the overall standings.

Script:

Rain was a regular feature of the second stage of the Giro d'Italia, but then again this was Northern Ireland.

So too was the presence of Maarten Tjallingii, Sander Armee, Jeffry Johan Romero Corredor and Andrea Fedi at the front.

They broke soon after the start - and stayed out in front for much of the 219 kilometres from Belfast, up the north coast to the whisky town of Bushmills and back again.

Giampaolo Caruso was one of a number of riders to suffer as a result of the conditions, although he did eventually rejoin the race.

Safely tucked into the chasing group was overall leader at the start of the day, Svein Tuft.

With 87 kilometres to go, the lead quartet held a five-minute lead - and those towards the tail-end of the peloton were having a few difficulties.

Predictably though, the chasers had a plan - and gnawed incessantly into that lead.

Nine kilometres to go - and Corredor slipped out of contention.

Another kilometre further and with the peloton now quickly catching the escapees, Tjallingii made a solo break.

And he briefly looked like holding on.

But with under four kilometres to go, the Dutchman was ensnared.

With 200 metres remaining, Marcel Kittel made his move, edging out Nacer Bouhanni and Giacomo Nizzolo in a bunch sprint.

Crossing the line in five hours, 13 minutes and 12 seconds.

Some shuffling in the Orica GreenEdge pack as they approached the line saw the leader's pink jersey move to Tuft's team-mate, Michael Matthews.

Next up - 187 kilometres from Armagh to Dublin.