Stage win and jersey for Kristoff in Germany

Alexander Kristoff won the second stage of the Tour of Germany, over 202 kilometeres from Marburg to Göttingen, the longest stage in this edition, in a reduced sprint.  Second place went to Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain-Merida), third Yves Lampaert (Deceuninck – Quick Step). The standings are the same in the general classification where the Norwegian now leads by 10 ’’ and 12 ’’ advantage respectively.

“I suffered all day” says Kristoff. “I broke away in the middle of the stage but then I managed to get back into the group where, as the kilometers went by, I started to feel better. On the last ascent I lost contact, but managed to get back on.  In the sprint I felt really good. When Colbrelli jumped I was a bit boxed in, but then I managed to pass.

Yesterday I felt good, but I was not able to finish off the excellent work of the team.

I didn’t win since Switzerland, before the Tour de France, where I wasn’t at my best.  Now, however, I am returning in good condition to aim for the world championship.

For the overall GC I think it’s difficult because today I was at the limit and tomorrow it will be even harder, but I will definitely try”.

Tomorrow the third stage from Göttingen to Eisenach over 189 km, with a nervous ending that could see a select group  at the finish.

Stage 2 results:

1 Alexander Kristoff (Nor) UAE Team Emirates 4:21:04

2 Sonny Colbrelli (Ita) Bahrain-Merida s.t.

3 Yves Lampaert (Bel) Deceuninck – Quick Step s.t.

General Classification after stage 2:

1 Alexander Kristoff (Nor) UAE Team Emirates 8:10:18

2 Sonny Colbrelli (Ita) Bahrain-Merida +10 “

3 Yves Lampaert (Bel) Deceuninck – Quick Step +12 “

7 Diego Ulissi (Ita) UAE Team Emirates +15 ’’