NYBORG, Denmark, July 2 (Reuters) – Dutchman Fabio Jakobsen claimed the second phase of the Tour de France, a 202.2-km flat journey from Roskilde to Nyborg, in a stunning dash finish following pulling ahead of Wout van Aert and Mads Pedersen on Saturday.
The acquire capped a exceptional comeback for the 25-12 months-previous Jakobsen immediately after he expended two times in an induced coma in 2020 following a lousy large-speed crash in the course of the Tour of Poland.
Jakobsen’s victory was the next in a row for Swift-Move Alpha Vinyl, who also liked Yves Lampaert’s surprise win in Friday’s time demo. It was the team’s 50th stage triumph considering the fact that their Tour debut in 2002.
Van Aert’s press at the stop meant that the Team Jumbo-Visma rider took the yellow jersey from fellow Belgian Lampaert, who was included in a late crash but recovered to stay second in the basic classification.
Two-instances defending winner Tadej Pogacar crossed the line three minutes powering soon after struggling a double puncture but did not lose any time as the incident transpired inside 3 kilometres of the complete. The Slovenian is 3rd all round.
“These days is ‘incroyable’ as we would say in French,” said Jakobsen. “For me it was a lengthy method, action by move. A lot of folks assisted me alongside the way. This is to shell out them back so they can see it was not for practically nothing.
“I’m pleased I even now appreciate using the bike and racing and luckily for us I can even now acquire. It truly is an remarkable working day and I would like to thank all the persons that aided me to be below,” included Jakobsen.
The finish seemed like a two-way tussle concerning Van Aert and Pedersen but Jakobsen, who was chosen ahead of Briton Mark Cavendish, accelerated around the last handful of metres to get the get in his debut on the Tour.
There was chaos in the closing phases as a substantial crash blocked the route but the sprinters ensured a thrilling finale to a phase that provided small drama early on.
“Typical Tour de France phase with crashes and every little thing. You require to be centered all working day,” said Van Aert.
“Second place but seriously awesome jersey in the close. It truly is a huge working day for me, I got some disappointments prior to but these days I am ultimately finding it, it truly is rather an achievement.”
Earlier, the day’s breakaway was led by Norwegian Sven Erik Bystrom, who was out in front on his possess for a although ahead of getting overhauled by the peloton with all-around 30km to go.
Sunday’s phase 3 is a 182-km flat ride from Vejle to Sonderborg.
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Reporting by Dhruv Munjal in Bengaluru enhancing by Clare Fallon
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