photo credits @ WTFK
Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty) claimed stage 2 of the Tour de Suisse today, beating Wout van Aert (jumbo-Visma) in a bunch sprint in Nottwil, while Arnaud Démare (Groupama-FDJ) completed the day’s podium.
Although a large crash with 30 kilometers to go briefly split the peloton, the main field swept up the day’s two escapees, Michael Schär (AG2R-Citroën) and Nicholas Zukowsky, with the stage later culminating into an inevitable sprint finale.
“Two months after my bad crash, I haven’t had enough time to train to be back in top shape. It was surprising and amazing,” Girmay said. “I knew that an Eritrean had never won a stage of the Tour de Suisse before, but to win in front of my people – that’s amazing.
“We’ve still got six days of racing so I still need to focus on my race, but next time I win I’ll be celebrating with them.”
Meanwhile, Stefan Küng (Groupama-FDJ) retained his leader’s yellow jersey, after the Swiss rider won the opening time trial.
Race Highlights
After Zukowsky and then Schär were caught, Groupama-FDJ lead the peloton during the last 5 kilometers, with Jayco-Alula, Trek-Segafredo and Ineos-Grenadiers later join the French squad.
Van Aert was the first rider to open up his sprint during the closing 100 meters, only to be overtaken by Girmay just before the line.
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