Evans in pink as Farrar takes second stage

Australian Cadel Evans, a firm favourite for the Giro d'Italia title, took possession of the race leader's pink jersey after yesterday's second stage won by American sprinter Tyler Farrar.

Evans, the reigning world champion, was third in the individual time-trial first stage won by Bradley Wiggins on Saturday and now sits one second ahead of Farrar in the overall standings.

Farrar, riding for the Garmin-Transitions team, recorded his maiden win in the stage, a 209km run from Amsterdam to Utrecht that saw several falls.

In a sprint finish, the 25-year-old American saw off Australian Matthew Goss, Italian Fabio Sabatini and German Andre Greipel.

Riders will tackle a 224km run from Amsterdam to Middelburg for today's third stage.