The longest stage and things got a little controversial. Lets get down to it.
Tour of Britain Stage 2: Kielder Water and forest park to Blyth, 211.7km
A route through the stunning county of Northumberland ended with a hot sprint in Blyth. Dimension Data’s Mark Renshaw placed Edvald Boasson Hagen perfectly and the Norwegian grabbed the stage win and race lead. Except Eddy Boss had drifted badly in the sprint from left to right blocking a highly irate Elia Viviani (Sky). The Italian appealed and Boasson Hagen was eventually relegated – after the podium ceremonies. Stage win to Viviani from Dylan Groenewegen (LottoNL-Jumbo) and Quick Step Floor’s Fernando Gaviria.
With no major climbs in this year’s edition, the race victory will be settled by bonus seconds. There are 19secs available in each stage with 10secs for the stage winner. Viviani now holds the race lead by 4secs from Caleb Ewan (Orica-Scott).
Video…
Both riders showing a lot of class
The Tour of Britain is a highlight for the UK based squads. It’s their moment to grab the spotlight and none did it better yesterday than Matt Holmes of Madison Genesis. – in the break and constantly on the attack.
That Boy Phinney…
Cannondale-Drapac’s Taylor Phinney was disqualified from the race yesterday after a level crossing incident. It’s the right decision but he’ll be missed by his team and fans alike. Here’s the story in his own words.
Making memories…
Full report at Cycling News
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Header image: Elia Viviani © KT/Tim De Waele/Corbis via Getty Images