Julian Alaphilippe doubles up in Bermeo.

Itzulia Basque Country Stage 2: Zarautz to Bermeo, 166.7km

Julian Alaphilippe and Primoz Roglic re-created the explosive climbing and seat of the pants descending of the first stage, this time coming into the finish with Gorka Izaguirre (Bahrain-Merida) and Mikel Landa (Movistar) for a four-way finale. We got the same result… it’s two wins out of two for the Quick Step Frenchman who now holds the race lead by 8secs from LottoNL-Jumbo’s Roglic with G Izaguirre in third at +39secs.

Video…Final 17km can be viewed on the Cycling Fans website here

I LOVE the happy wolfie hugs. As Eros Capecchi says..

Surprise!

Young Ukranian neo-pro Mark Padun was tasked with getting into the break by his Bahrain-Merida DS. It was no easy ask with over 100km ridden before peloton eased their pace. He succeeded and ended the day in the very natty reverse polka dots jersey.

These first stages have been perfect Alaphilippe territory. It’s going to be an enthralling game of chess to see how many seconds he can build up on his rivals before the flat TT  and the steeper climbs arrive. I’d still call Roglic as favourite for the overall and their willingness to fight for every second is refreshing and exciting to watch. Whichever way it goes, Alaphilippe’s Ardennes preparation is rolling along sweetly.

Full race report at Cycling News

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Header image: Julian Alaphilippe – David Ramos/Getty Images