Day 2 of the 103rd edition of Tour de France saw Tinkoff’s World Champion Peter Sagan collect his first yellow jersey after coming short for almost three years as he took the lead and win the second stage of the Tour. The Slovakian took full advantage of the steep short climb to win the second stage of the event on Sunday.
He did get some help from Roman Kreuziger, who put him into a perfect position, even though Sagan wasn’t sure whether he crossed the line or not. He admitted that he didn’t celebrate at the line because he didn’t realize that he had won. "I am very surprised I won, because I was thinking that there were still two guys in the front," Sagan said.
"Then when I finished I didn't know I won and later realized the breakaway had been caught. It is the first time in my career to have the yellow jersey, and it is unbelievable. I'm already wearing a nice jersey [world champion], but this one is also very nice."
Also Read: 2016 Tour De France: Top 5 Contenders
He leapfrogged Mark Cavendish who had won the first day of the event at the top of the overall standings in the process. He leads the overall and green jersey competition, which he has been winning for the last four years. He used his power to his advantage on the 1.9km stretch of Cote de la Glacerie which led to the finish line in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. He claimed the win ahead of Julian Alaphilippe of France who came second as he started the final sprint. Spaniard Alejandro Valverde was third.
Two-time winner Alberto Contador was dropped in the final climb as he hit the ground for the second consecutive day. With Tinkoff-Saxo’s Contador shipping around 50 seconds and Richie Porte of BMC shipping 1minutes 44 seconds, there GC hopes may well be over inside just two days of the event.
Chris Froome performed well in the final stages and crossed the line 10th, and he will be delighted with his day’s performance although his team-mate Geraint Thomas lost a not inconsiderable 24secs.
| Rider Name/Country/Team | Position |
| Peter Sagan (Svk) Tinkoff Team | 1 |
| Julian Alaphilippe (Fra) Etixx - Quick-Step | 2 |
| Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Movistar Team | 3 |
| Daniel Martin (Irl) Etixx - Quick-Step | 4 |
