Cycling: Dylan Groenewegen (Jumbo – Visma) also won the second stage from Paris – Nice. The Dutchman stayed alert throughout the day in strong winds and ended up being the fastest out of a group of just seven. The second group was significantly larger and only lost a few seconds. There André Greipel (Arkéa – Samsic) sprinted in ninth place and John Degenkolb (Trek – Segafredo) in eleventh place.
Because of the different winds: no main field, no breakaways
The profile of the second stage from Paris – Nice actually made us suspect a mass sprint. But like yesterday, the wind should play a decisive role today on the 163,5-kilometer route from Les Bréviaires to Bellegarde. Instead of a classic breakaway group and an orderly main field, the spectators got to see many small groups throughout the day. In this chaos consolidated Damian Gaudin (Direct Energie) his mountain jersey by winning the first classification. In the intermediate sprints secured themselves Michal Kwiatkowski (Sky) and Tony gallopin (AG2R La Mondiale) valuable seconds. The Frenchman in particular was motivated today, because the pros drove through his birthplace of Dourdan today.
Barguil & Izagirre retired injured
Up to eleven kilometers before the finish, a group of 23 men was in front. Thanks to the speed work in the second field, however, the connection could be restored. Lucky for many sprinters, who suddenly had chances of winning the day again. But above all, this merger was decisive in the fight for overall victory. Except for a handful of climbers - including the Austrians Felix Grossschartner (Bora – hansgrohe) – most of the lightweights couldn't hold their own in the wind. Had significantly more bad luck today Gorka Izagirre (Astana) and Warren Barguil (Arkea – Samsic). The two classification drivers fell early in the race and had to give up Paris – Nice.
Groenewegen attentive, Bernal impressed
Only shortly after the merger was another selection brought about. This time, Team Sky was decisive for the division. was previously located Michal Kwiatkowski (Sky) in the second group. Barely open-minded, he and his colleagues made sure that only seven men were to reach the finish line at the same time. The slender climber also played a decisive role Egan Bernal (Sky), who was able to compete with all the fast-paced classic hunters despite the strong wind. The Colombian started the group sprint for Michal Kwiatkowski, but the Pole shouldn't have a chance. Dylan Groenewegen (Jumbo – Visma) also won the second stage from Paris – Nice. Second place secured Ivan Garcia (Bahrain – Merida) before Philip Gilbert (Deceuninck - Quick Step). The second group included significantly more riders and only lost a few seconds. In the overall standings, tension is therefore still the order of the day.
🚴♂🏁 ¡¡Segunda Victoria para Groenewegen!! El holandés se lleva de nuevo al esprint la 2ª etapa de #ParisNice.
🇬🇧@ivan_cortina estuvo muy cerquita y fue segundo!!#LaCasadelCiclismo, @Eurosport_EN y https://t.co/fLW7LTy0zL pic.twitter.com/LmMTU7sdrf
- Eurosport.es (@Eurosport_ES) March 11, 2019
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