Dauphiné Stage 2: Alaphilippe’s Victory and Grondin’s Polka-Dot Pursuit

The Criterium du Dauphiné rode on into its second stage today, with the cyclists racing from Brassac-Les-Mines to La Chaise-Dieu, covering a challenging distance of 167 kilometers. This stage offered a thrilling display of team strategy, individual strength, and masterful climbing, emblematic of the Dauphiné’s reputation as a rigorous pre-Tour de France event.

From the outset, Jumbo-Visma dictated the tempo of the peloton, smartly managing the breakaway’s advantage. Their presence at the front was not merely for show; they were safeguarding the yellow jersey of Christophe Laporte, who led the general classification after stage 1.

The breakaway was a prominent feature of the day’s racing, highlighted by a determined Donavan Grondin from Arkéa Samsic. Donavan had a clear objective – to cement his standing as the leader of the King of the Mountains (KOM). His companion in the breakaway, Jonas Gregaard of Uno-X, previously a standout in Paris-Nice, was also up for the challenge.

As the group approached the first climb at Col de Totée, Grondin was in his element, topping the ascent first, followed by Pierre Latour of Total Energies. This successful climb fortified Grondin’s bid for the polka-dot jersey. However, the competition was just beginning.

Entering the second climb, Col des Fourches, the breakaway’s lead had stretched to a promising two minutes. The ascent saw Grondin again seizing the KOM, shadowed by Latour. This pattern of results kept the competition for the polka-dot jersey electrifying, adding an intriguing subplot to the stage.

The dynamics changed as the peloton navigated the first ascent of Côte des Guettes. Pierre Latour stole the spotlight, asserting his climbing prowess by taking the KOM. But with more than a few climbs remaining, the King of the Mountains jersey was far from decided.

The 12 kilometers to go mark signaled a shift in the pace and strategy. Jumbo-Visma stepped back from pulling, leaving the front to UAE Team Emirates and Movistar. The stage was set for sprinters Sam Bennett and Dylan Groenewegen to test their limits on the impending Côte des Guêtes.

The second climb of Côte des Guettes saw another new face, Tobias Bayer of Alpecin Deceuninck, topping the KOM, showcasing the range of climbing talents in the peloton.

With less than 4 kilometers remaining, Harrison Sweeny of Lotto Soudal made a bold solo move, creating a gap between himself and the chasing peloton. His effort was commendable, but the relentless chase from the pack saw him swallowed up before the finish line.

The culmination of this exciting stage was a thrilling sprint won by none other than Julian Alaphilippe of Quick-Step. Second place went to Richard Carapaz of EF Education-EasyPost, adding another notable result to his palmares.

Despite the shuffling in stage placements, there was little disturbance in the overall classification. Christophe Laporte of Jumbo-Visma retained his overall lead, with Julian Alaphilippe and Carapaz right behind.

This stage, teeming with breakaways, KOM battles, and a sprint finish, encapsulates the drama and unpredictability of the Dauphiné. Tomorrow’s stage will undoubtedly bring more riveting racing as we continue to see how the general classification and KOM battles unfold.