Stage 2: A Start for First Timers

This years TdF has started off with victories from first time stage winners.  Today’s Stage win from Jan Bakelants was not only his first Tour de France Stage win but his first sizable win since 2008 when he won the Tour de l’Avenir. 

With a career plagued in injury, misfortune and close 2nd and 3rd place finishes it was certainly a well deserved day.  Today was no exception for his quality of performance, Bakelants appeared to be one of the strongest riders in the break and did his fair share to help a tough day turn out to be a success.  With a hard charging Peter Sagan, Jan Bakelants was able to hold on until the finish line for not only a 1 second victory but also the opportunity to spend Stage 3 in the yellow jersey. The day was not so enjoyable for many people though.  The second climb of the day, la Col de la Serra, lead to a great deal of riders dropping of pace including stage twos victor, Marcel Kittel.  Even though the yellow jersey will not rest on Kittel’s shoulders for day three he will still be given the honor of spending day three in the coveted green sprinters jersey. With a surprise filled first two stages the remainder of this Tour proves to be nothing short of exciting!