After a full-bodied start dominated by Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) The day before, the runners of this Skoda Tour of Luxembourg were treated to a slightly quieter day on Thursday between Junglinster and Schifflange. Not very hilly, this 2nd stage, 155 km long, had a good chance of ending in a mass sprint, and the expected outcome did indeed take place despite an attempt on the final circuit by Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates). Perfectly supported and launched by his team Lidl-Trekwho had nevertheless lost on a fall Mattias Skjelmose shortly after departure, Mads Pedersen concluded this fine collective work with a logical victory given the field of sprinters, his 12th bouquet this season. With his characteristic power, the Dane easily contained the return of Mathieu van der PoelWell placed, the Dutchman got involved in the sprint and achieved a good result in the general classification.
Video – Mathieu van der Poel close to repeating the feat on the 2nd stage
MVDP still leader, Hirschi picks up bonuses
In this rather muscular sprint, the podium was completed by the Swiss Robin Froidevaux (Tudor), who overtook the French Christophe Laporte (Visma | Lease a Bike). Overall, the only major changes come from the bonuses. MVDP now has a 10-second margin over his runner-up Christophe Laporteand 12 on Andreas Kron (Lotto Dstny). Please note that Marc Hirschi (UAE Team Emirates) took advantage of the two “Rushes” located on the finish line in Schifflange – during the first and second laps of the final circuit – to collect three bonus seconds. A good deal in view of the defense of his title on the Luxembourg event, the Swiss occupying the 4th place at 12 seconds behind the world champion.
