Kocjan, 23, registered 3:32:32 in the 111 kilometers between the cities of Guantanamo and Santiago de Cuba, after passing four-time champ Cuban Pedro Pablo Perez on the last of three sprints. German Friedemann Mathias, from the Saxonia team, finished behind Perez in third place.

Cuban Reldys Perez was the first to reach the strips La Maya (kilometer 55) and Songo (61), while Arnold Alcolea, from the main host sextet, was the quickest on to Ciudad Escolar 26 de Julio on kilometer 84.

Heading the score so far is Cuban Lizardo Benitez, one second ahead of Cuban Osviel Vento, winner of the first stage on Tuesday between Baracoa and Guantanamo.

The Vuelta a Cuba tour is a multi-day road bicycle racing stage race held every February in the Caribbean island. It is part of the UCI America Tour, one of six UCI Continental Circuits sponsored by the International Cycling Union (Union Cyclist Internationale-UCI) the sport's international governing body.

The 33rd race underway will conclude February 17.

(mathaba.net)