BOULOGNE-SUR-MER, France — Dutch cyclist Mathieu van der Poel emerged victorious in the second stage of the Tour de France on Sunday, showcasing his prowess on a challenging hilly course. Van der Poel managed to fend off fierce competition from defending champion Tadej Pogačar and two-time winner Jonas Vingegaard in a thrilling sprint finish. This victory not only marked his second career stage win at the Tour but also earned him the coveted yellow jersey, previously held by his Alpecin-Deceuninck teammate Jasper Philipsen.
“It was super difficult, the finale was harder than I thought. But I was really motivated,” Van der Poel remarked after the race. “Finally, four years after my first [stage] win, it was about time I took a second one. It’s also the second time I’m rewarded with the yellow jersey as well, so I guess it was worth the wait.” Van der Poel expressed his determination to maintain his lead, adding, “I hope I can keep the jersey until the time trial [Wednesday]. [After that] it will be very hard.”
Weather Challenges and Race Dynamics
The second stage was not without its challenges. Heavy morning rain delayed the start by approximately 15 minutes as team buses struggled to reach their parking spots. Spectators, donning raincoats, lined the roads while cyclists navigated the wet and blustery conditions on the 209-kilometer (130-mile) trek from Lauwin-Planque to Boulogne-sur-Mer in northern France. This stage, the longest of this year’s race, featured roughly 4 kilometers of climbing, favoring allrounders like Van der Poel and former Cyclo-cross star Wout van Aert.
The greasy roads heightened the risk of accidents, and a strong headwind posed an additional challenge as riders approached the finish. Despite these hurdles, Van der Poel, known as “The Flying Dutchman,” managed to break away and withstand Pogačar’s late surge. He crossed the finish line in 4 hours, 45 minutes, and 41 seconds, with Pogačar and Vingegaard recording the same time.
Strategic Moves and Competition
None of the main contenders could launch a decisive attack during the stage, although Vingegaard attempted a move with 5 kilometers remaining. Ultimately, it was Van der Poel who seized the moment, having previously bested Pogačar at Paris-Roubaix in April. Pogačar acknowledged his miscalculation, stating, “Mathieu was stronger in the final sprint, so chapeau to him. To be honest I messed up a little bit, because I got a bit scared to sprint against him, and I waited too long on his wheel.”
In the overall standings, Pogačar trails Van der Poel by four seconds, with Vingegaard another two seconds behind.
Meanwhile, other notable competitors like four-time Spanish Vuelta winner Primož Roglič and double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel, who lost time on Saturday due to a late crosswind, managed to hold their positions relative to Pogačar and Vingegaard. Vingegaard, who is in better shape this year after recovering from a significant crash in Spain, remains a strong contender.
Cycling Heritage and Family Legacy
Van der Poel’s victory is not just a personal achievement but also a continuation of a rich family legacy in cycling. Born in Belgium, the 30-year-old initially gained fame as a multiple Cyclo-cross world champion before transitioning to one-day classics and stage racing. His father, Adri van der Poel, was also a Cyclo-cross world champion, and his maternal grandfather, the late Raymond Poulidor, was a celebrated French cyclist. Poulidor, affectionately known as “Poupou” and “The Eternal Runner-up,” participated in 14 Tours from 1962 to 1976, finishing second overall three times and third five times, earning the adoration of French fans.
Looking Ahead: Stage 3 and Beyond
The Tour continues with Stage 3, a flat 178.3-kilometer route from Valenciennes to Dunkerque, favoring sprinters. This year’s race remains entirely within France, a departure from previous editions that included stages abroad, and will conclude on July 27 in Paris.
As the Tour progresses, all eyes will be on Van der Poel to see if he can maintain his lead and if Pogačar and Vingegaard can mount a challenge in the coming stages. The dynamics of the race promise further excitement as the riders tackle the diverse terrains of the French landscape.
