Score 1 for Boonen
Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) rode an impressive sprint to win the second stage of the Tour de France in Les Essarts, powering past Robbie McEwen in the last 100 metres to cross the line with over a bike length to spare. The Belgian, who was suffering from a severe toothache yesterday that needed urgent dental work, shrugged off the pain and achieved his main goal of the Tour: to win a stage. He also took the green points jersey, but it's too early to speculate about winning it yet.
The flat stage between Challans and Les Essarts in the Vendée region was ridden at a fast average speed of 47.04 km/h, and after approximately 20 km, a breakaway of four riders got clear: Laszlo Bodrogi (Credit Agricole), David Canada (Saunier Duval-Prodir), Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom), and Sylvain Calzati (Ag2r-Prevoyance). Although Bodrogi was well place on GC (in fifth), David Zabriskie's CSC team didn't panic and allowed the quartet a maximum advantage of 4'30, before the sprinters' teams of Quick.Step, Davitamon-Lotto, and Francaise des Jeux hauled them back with 6 km to go.
The sprint was hectic, with no team really able to control it. Robbie McEwen led out on his own from a long way, but in the end Boonen overhauled him easily to win, while Thor Hushovd (CA) passed McEwen to take second. Zabriskie finished 71st and kept his yellow jersey, while none of the other main contenders lost time.
Also see:
Stage 2 full results, report & photos
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