2021 Tour de France Stage 2 Results & Recap
Stage 2 of the 2021 Tour de France is in the books. The final results and standings are below, followed by our recap of how the race unfolded.
Race Recap
Van der Poel wins stage 2
Mathieu Van Der Poel (AFC) won stage 2 of the Tour de France after a late attack on the Mûr-de-Bretagne. The Alpecin Fenix rider was emotional at the line, dedicating the win to his late grandfather and pro rider, Raymond Pouliodor. Van der Poel finished six seconds ahead of returning champion Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates), who crossed the line ahead of Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) to take second.
“I have no words. Really I don’t know what to say,” Van der Poel said. “I gambled a little bit and I played everything the first climb already because I knew I needed the bonus seconds if I wanted the jersey and it was also my last chance to get the yellow jersey. It’s incredible.
Mathieu Van Der Poel (AFC) now leads the Tour de France by eight seconds ahead of Julian Alaphilippe (DQT), who moved into the points jersey after the lumpy 184km stage. Pogacar is third at 13 seconds.
“I enjoyed every single moment in the yellow jersey and I want to thank all my teammates, who once again worked hard for me and protected me the entire day," the Frenchman said. "I gave my best there and rode really hard in my attempt to retain yellow, but I didn’t have the best legs when the attacks came. Nevertheless, I am content with my first weekend and with having another distinctive jersey on my shoulders."\n
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