Stage 2 - Criterium du Dauphine
Stage 2 of the Critérium du Dauphiné was similar to yesterday both in outcome and profile.
I think the group is a little intimidated by the massive mountain stages coming at us along with tomorrow’s team time trial. So today saw another small group get up the road.
While we had ominous rain clouds overhead, we were lucky and it held off for most of the stage, but it still meant we were navigating some slick, wet roads.
Again, the intensity ramped up early and the final two climbs brought about some selection and regrouping because there were still about 30 kilometers remaining after the summit of the final climb. If the reduced bunch made things less hectic, I didn’t notice!
The final kilometers felt chaotically desperate because everyone suddenly seemed inspired to be a sprinter and try their luck in what was still a pretty big group of around 80 guys.
My teammate Paddy hit out early with a super strong surge but was swallowed up before the line and ended eighth. We didn’t come here with a favorite for any of the stages, so personally, it’s encouraging to still be in the top 10 overall.
Heading into tomorrow’s TTT, Damiano Caruso and I are both in the top 10 overall and we are all motivated to put in a strong performance. I know they won’t make it easy on me, but I’m looking forward to only having to battle with my BMC Racing Team teammates and get out of that chaotic peloton before we go climbing crazy in the coming days.