Tadej Pogacar made a stunning late attack in the second stage of the Tour de France to claim the overall lead, closely followed by defending champion Jonas Vingegaard. While other top contenders like Primoz Roglic struggled to keep up, Vingegaard showed great form despite his recent lack of racing due to injury. Pogacar, aiming to win both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France in the same year, recognized Vingegaard’s strength and expects an interesting competition ahead.
As Pogacar hopes to maintain his form throughout the three-week race after competing in the Giro earlier this year, Vingegaard looks to peak towards the final week. The second stage saw another French winner with Kevin Vauquelin securing a stage win for his team Arkea-B&B Hotels. Romain Bardet, who started the day in the yellow jersey, lost the lead to Pogacar by a slim margin, with Evenepoel and Vingegaard trailing closely behind.
Despite a late acceleration from the peloton, the breakaway group of riders maintained a significant lead, ensuring a stage win would come from their ranks. French riders Jordan Jegat and Axel Laurance launched an attack on the challenging San Luca climb, setting the pace for a thrilling race. The race featured two ascents to San Luca, with Vauquelin, Abrahamsen, and Oliveira breaking free in the flat section before the climb. Vauquelin’s dominance secured him the stage win, showcasing his determination and strength.
Looking ahead, the third stage of the Tour de France is expected to favor sprint specialists, with a 230.8-km ride from Piacenza to Turin. Pogacar currently holds the lead, leading Evenepoel and Vingegaard in the overall standings. The stage victories and tactical battles in the early stages of the Tour indicate a competitive and thrilling race ahead, with riders showcasing their skills and determination on the challenging routes. With the race set to unfold over the next few weeks, fans can expect more exciting moments and surprises as the cyclists vie for victory in the prestigious event.
