Slovenian cycling sensation Tadej Pogacar has seized the yellow jersey at the 111th Tour de France after a grueling second stage that took riders from Cesenatico to Bologna over 199.2 kilometers. The stage victory was claimed by French breakaway rider Kevin Vauquelin.
The challenging ascent to the pilgrimage church in San Luca, with an average gradient of 10.6 percent over 1.9 kilometers that had to be tackled twice, provided the first test of strength for the top riders. Pogacar launched an attack, but Vingegaard managed to stick with him. Evenepoel caught up with the two leaders on the descent.
The scorching heat, with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees, added to the difficulties faced by cyclists on Sunday. Veteran rider Mark Cavendish lost ground to the peloton, just as he had on the previous day.
In the upcoming third stage, sprinters like Belgian Jasper Philipsen will be looking forward to their first opportunity for a mass finish. The 230.8-kilometer route from Piacenza to Turin is mostly flat, with just a few fourth-category climbs to contend with.
Pogacar’s move came after he and Vingegaard were part of a group of six riders that broke away from the peloton early in the stage. Evenepoel joined them later and they worked together until they reached San Luca, where they were met with a grueling climb that tested their strength and endurance.
Pogacar’s attack was impressive and he was able to hold his lead until he crossed the finish line alongside Vingegaard, leaving Bardet behind in third place.
Vauquelin’s victory was a surprise as he had been expected to struggle against Pogacar and Vingegaard on this type of terrain.
As they prepare for Stage Three, sprinters like Philipsen are eagerly awaiting their chance at glory in Turin.
Overall, it’s clear that this year’s Tour de France is going to be full of surprises and challenges for all involved.