
Tour de l’Ain: Cepeda beats Storer in crash-marred stage 2 finale
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Jefferson Cepeda (EF Training-EasyPost) received stage 2 of the Tour de l’Ain after he pipped Michael Storer (Groupama-FDJ) in a two-up dash in Lagnieu after a crash-marred finale.
Storer crashed past the end after he made contact with Cepeda as he dived for the road, however he might haven’t any grievance concerning the Ecuadorian’s dash. Cepeda strikes into the race lead, 4 seconds forward of Storer and 20 up on Kenny Elissonde (Lidl-Trek), who positioned third on the stage.
After the early break had animated proceedings on the Col des Fosses and the Côte de Saillonnaz, Groupama-FDJ took up the reins on the head of the peloton and pinned again the escapees on the class 1 Col des Portes on behalf of Storer, with in a single day chief Jake Stewart distanced.
Hugh Carthy (EF Training-EasyPost) sensed his likelihood, and he launched a stinging assault 5km from the summit that solely Storer and Elissonde might initially observe, with Cepeda becoming a member of them quickly afterwards.
Elissonde was distanced when Storer accelerated close to the summit with 15km to go, however Carthy and Cepeda held agency, and this trio dropped down the opposite facet to struggle it out for stage victory.
The wet circumstances, nonetheless, made for a treacherous descent. Alexis Vuillermoz (TotalEnergies) was a faller within the chasing group, whereas Carthy’s probabilities of stage victory disappeared when his wheels slipped from underneath him with a little bit over 2km to go.
All of the whereas, Elissonde was mounting a useless solo pursuit of the leaders, however the Frenchman must accept third on the stage, 14 seconds again, whereas his Lidl-Trek teammate Julien Bernard received the dash for fourth at 37 seconds.
Out in entrance, Cepeda managed to pressure Storer to guide out the dash and the Australian opened his effort with 200m to go. Cepeda unleashed a pointy effort of his personal and nearly managed to fend off Storer, who slid throughout the street on crossing the road.
The Tour de l’Ain concludes on Wednesday with a tricky stage to Lelex-Mont Jura that features no fewer than seven categorised climbs.
“It was an excellent stage, my staff was very sturdy, it labored properly. Ultimately I misplaced my teammate Carthy on the descent, however I used to be in a position to consider the dash,” stated Cepeda. “Tomorrow, we hope we will defend the chief’s jersey, we now have an excellent staff right here.”
Outcomes
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