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Tour de France 2022 LIVE: Stage 2 result as Fabio Jakobsen wins ahead of Wout van Aert in sprint finish

The Tour de France resumed for Stage 2 today after Yves Lampaert claimed the first Yellow Jersey in the opening time trial in Copenhagen. On a rain soaked circuit yesterday, the Belgian raced to a surprise win beating out defending champion Tadej Pogacar as well as compatriot Wout van Aert after taking a seriously impresssive time of 15 minutes and 17 seconds to complete the 13km course.

Despite the build-up beforehand the wind hardly played a part in a rather sedate Stage 2. A long trek along the Danish coastline started in the town of Roskilde and saw an early breakaway led by Magnus Cort Nielsen as the peloton hit the countryside. This foursome, also featuring Pierre Rolland, Cyril Barthe and Sven Erik Bystrom, stormed out in front and reached the first of three category-four climbs. Nielsen and Bystrom fended off a challenge from the others and raced to the line with Nielsen taking the victory and the first of his three King of the Mountains points. He added two more at the next hills to end the day with the polka-dot jersey and the title.

There was an early preview to the sprint finish as an intermediate sprint 75km from the end was won by Caleb Ewan but the Austrian didn’t feature in the climactic battle. The Great Belt Bridge lived up to it’s majesty but failed to provide the expected drama although Yellow Jersey holder Yves Lampaert crashed on the bridge and had to recover his position. He did, and led the way around the final corner as part of the lead train for Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl teammate Fabio Jakobsen.

The stage concluded with a sprint to the line. Mads Pedersen set off with 400m to go and was hauled in by Wout van Aert but Jakobsen managed to win a battle against Peter Sagan to nip around the outside and claim the victory.

Relive all the action from Stage 2 of the Tour de France:

Tour de France 2022 - Stage 2

  • Yves Lampaert stuns field to win time trial in Copenhagen

  • Tour de France 2022 - Stage 1 leaderboard and standings

  • Tour de France 2022 Stage 2 preview: Route map and profile

  • Fabio Jakobsen wins Stage 2 after sprint finish

  • Magnus Cort Nielsen takes all three King of the Mountains points

  • Tour de France standings after Stage 2

Tour de France 2022: Stage 3

17:17 , Michael Jones

Up next: Stage 3, Sunday 3 July: Vejle-Sonderborg, 182km

Stage three looks like a classic breakaway day before a bunch sprint finish between the serious fast men, with the likes of Caleb Ewan (Lotto-Soudal), Fabio Jakobsen (Quickstep), Dylan Groenewegen (BikeExchange-Jayco) and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Fenix) sharpening their elbows once again as they battle for the win.

It closes out the Danish jaunt before a transfer day to France.

Tour de France 2022: Fabio Jakobsen wins Stage 2!

17:14 , Michael Jones

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Tour de France 2022: Current Tour de France standings after Stage 2

16:53 , Michael Jones

  1. Wout van Aert (Bel) - 4:49’50

  2. Yves Lampaert (Bel) +1’

  3. Tadej Pogacar (Slo) +8’

  4. Filippo Ganna (Ita) +11’

  5. Mads Pedersen (Den) +12’

  6. Mathieu Van Der Pol (Ned) +14’

  7. Jonas Vingegaard (Den) +16’

  8. Primoz Roglic (Slo) +17’

  9. Bauke Mollema (Ned) +18’

  10. Dylan Teuns (Ger) +21’

Tour de France 2022: Top 10 finishers in Stage 2

16:41 , Michael Jones

  1. Fabio Jakobsen (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl)

  2. Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma)

  3. Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo)

  4. Danny van Poppel (Bora-hansgrohe)

  5. Jasper Philipsen Alpecin-Deceuninck

  6. Peter Sagan (Total Energies)

  7. Jeremy Lecroq (B&B Hotels KTM)

  8. Dylan Groenewegen (BikeExchange-Jayco)

  9. Luca Mozzato (B&B Hotels KTM)

  10. Hugo Hofstetter Arkea-Samsic

Tour de France 2022: Fabio Jakobsen wins Stage 2!

16:36 , Michael Jones

Fabio Jakobsen spoke about his incredible sprint finish and what it was like to recover from his terrible injury and finally win a stage at the Tour de France.

“Today is “incroyable” as we would say in French ... for me it was a long process, step by step.” he said, “A lot of people helped me along the way.

“This is to pay them back to see that that it was not for nothing. I’m happy that I can still ride the bike and enjoy racing. I’d like to help everyone who helped me to get to here.

“The team kept me in a good position ... on the final straight ... I was next to Sagan. We kind of touched each other but luckily we stayed upright ... then I just had the final stretch of 150m when I could pass the other two.

“I’m very happy to win. If I tell it like that, it sounds easy, but the legs were in pain. This is what we train for ... I hope everyone enjoyed watching.”

Tour de France 2022: Fabio Jakobsen wins Stage 2!

16:33 , Michael Jones

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 (AFP via Getty Images)
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Tour de France 2022: Fabio Jakobsen wins Stage 2!

16:28 , Michael Jones

Tour de France 2022: Fabio Jakobsen wins Stage 2!

16:25 , Michael Jones

It’s a fantastic victory for Fabio Jakobsen, his first in the Tour de France. The man who got the nod over Quick Step-Alpha Vinyl teammate Mark Cavendish shows off his skills.

Wout van Aert managed to overhaul Mads Pedersen to finish second becoming the new race leader thanks to the 6sec time bonus he earned for finishing second, the Jumbo-Visma rider will now take a 1sec lead over fellow Belgian Yves Lampaert into Sunday’s stage.

Tour de France 2022: Fabio Jakobsen wins Stage 2!

16:19 , Michael Jones

The top five finishers:

1. Fabio Jakobsen2. Wout van Aert3. Mads Pedersen4. Danny van Poppel 5. Jasper Philipsen

Van Aert’s second place is enough to earn him the Yellow Jersey off Yves Lampaert.

Tour de France 2022: Fabio Jakobsen wins Stage 2!

16:17 , Michael Jones

It was a messy sprint to the line but the pre-stage favourite, Fabio Jakobsen, wins it just ahead of Wout van Aert. Mads Pedersen was right up there as well but it’s two in two for Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

16:14 , Michael Jones

700m to go and Yves Lampaert leads the way around the final corner to set up the sprint for Fabio Jakobsen. Wout van Aert is with him as is Caleb Ewan.

Who’s going to win Stage 2?

There’s been a massive crash behind the leaders with some Ineos Grenadiers riders involved but they will not lose any time on general classification.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

16:12 , Michael Jones

Trek-Segafredo, Bahrain-Merida and Ineos are among the teams powering away at the front. As are Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl.

3km to go as the riders come off the bridge into the final section of the race.

This is where the sprinters start to get interested.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

16:08 , Michael Jones

The feeling here is that there is a calm before the storm. The race may burst back into life as the riders exit the bridge which ends with a little downhill section.

Up to 50 km/h now with 5km left to go in the stage.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

16:05 , Michael Jones

A very good showing from EF Education–EasyPost to get Rigoberto Uran back in touch with the peloton. There’s just under 8 km to go and the riders are travelling into a strong head wind which explains the rather sedate manner of the pack.

About 4.5km of the bridge left to go.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

15:59 , Michael Jones

11 km to go and it looks as though the Lampaert crash is going to be the biggest upset on the bridge. A little ways back Uran and teammates are fighting to get back in touch with the main bunch.

They’re 46 seconds off the back of the peloton.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

15:51 , Michael Jones

The panic is over for Yves Lampaert as he’s regained his position in the peloton. His Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl teammates dropping back to help out.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

15:48 , Michael Jones

There were a few involved in that crash and Yves Lampaert saw it unfolding but had no room to manoeuvre. He’s trailing the leading group now and is off the back of the peloton.

He’s got a bit of work to do to return to the pack. 23 seconds behind at present.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

15:45 , Michael Jones

20km to go as the peloton starts to head over the bridge. The riders are very nervous as the pace has dropped drastically.

Yves Lampaert is down!

A crash in the pelaton has brough down the Tour de France leader.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

15:44 , Michael Jones

Just before the peloton hits the bridge there’s another crash with Rigo Uran, Magnus Cort and Kevin Vermaerke all involved. Uran is back on the bike fairly quickly but Vermaerke needs a bit of medical treatment first.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

15:42 , Michael Jones

The peloton is up to around 50km/h. There’s still a few corners to fight for where the teams want to get themselves into the best position to attack the bridge and the finish.

22km to go, two turns to go before the bridge.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

15:34 , Michael Jones

The Great Belt Bridge is approaching. 28km of the race still to go.

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Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

15:32 , Michael Jones

Bystrom is caught and the peloton immediately ups the pace. Yves Lampaert in his yellow jersey is right in the mix with his Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team.

Tom Pidcock is riding up near the front down the left-hand side of the road pushing forward for his Ineos Grenadiers with Geraint Thomas in a decent position too.

Caleb Ewan is sitting pretty behind one of his teammates and keeping himself in prime position for the sprint finish.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

15:29 , Michael Jones

Chris Froome has had to stop for a reason currently unknown.

Sven Erik Bystrom has put in a fantastic shift as the last of the breakaway riders but he’s about to be caught. His lead is now down to 10 seconds and it won’t be long before he’s absorbed back into the pack.

The final part of this race is closing in. 32km to go.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

15:24 , Michael Jones

Inside the 40km mark and there’s been a crash at the back of the peloton and a few riders are down. Martijn Tusveld, Patrick Konrad and Krists Neilands are all involved.

That’s the first crash of the day.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

15:19 , Michael Jones

Bradley Wiggins has ridden ahead of the peloton and is on the upcoming bridge. He says that thw wind is blowing across it and could cause some problems:

“I can feel the wind, it really is blowing from the right hand side. It [the peloton] is going to split to pieces when we hit this bridge. The wind is in exactly the right direction. it’s going to be murder for the riders when the get here.

“Expect some gaps, expect some breaks in that peloton. It’s going to be quite a spectacle, I can’t wait to watch it.”

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

15:15 , Michael Jones

The distance to the finish line after the end of the bridge is just 3km so there will be some action in the wind as teams try to best position themselves for that final sprint to the line.

Already today the average speed is 43.7km/h which is quite high considering the wind speed.

44km to go.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

15:08 , Michael Jones

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Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

15:03 , Michael Jones

All the sprinters want to win today according to Caleb Ewan. He spoke to reporters this morning before the stage began and said: “Yeah, you know, I think the first week of the Tour de France is always super nervous. Especially on a day like today, because all the GC riders know they can lose the Tour de France today.

“All the sprinters want to win today, especially because this year we don’t have so many chances.

“So yeah, I think every DS is going to tell the riders to be at the front of the bunch. And obviously, there’s only so much room for people to be at the front of the bunch, so it’s going to make a very nervous race.”

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

14:59 , Michael Jones

Mads Pedersen stops for a wheel change and it takes a good long while for him to get back on the road. Not a great stop for him there.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

14:56 , Michael Jones

Sven Erik Bystrom has taken off on his own as the only member of the initial breakaway to remain ahead of the pelaton. Magnus Cort has dropped back to the pack after claiming his King of the Mountain points.

Bystrom has already opened up a minute’s lead on the rest of the field.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

14:48 , Michael Jones

The pelaton is travelling at a fair lick now. Close to 45 mph with 61 km to go.

Here’s a look at Caleb Owen’s ‘win’ in the intermediate sprint earlier on. He’ll no doubt be giving it a go at the end of this race to try and take the stage as well.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

14:39 , Michael Jones

69 km to go.

The next big obstacle will be the big bridge which should arrive in about 50km time or around 20km from the finish line. The gap to the breakaway pairing is now only 33 seconds.

There are some 30km/h winds over the bridge, that should be strong enough to cause splits in the pelaton. Whether it’s blowing in the right direction is another matter.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

14:35 , Michael Jones

The German national champion, Nils Politt (Bora-Hansgrohe) just stopped briefly before the sprint to take a bike change, but he looked quite relaxed about should soon get back into the peloton.

Of course Caleb Ewan only takes third place in the official intermediate sprint results as Sven Erik Bystrom and Magnus Cort completed the zone before him from the breakaway group.

Bystrom took the maximum 20 points, Cort 17 and Ewan 15. Wout van Aert and Peter Sagan were left with 13 and 11 points respectively for finishing fourth and fifth.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

14:32 , Michael Jones

The big names mostly get involved. Wout van Aert, Caleb Ewan, Fabio Jakobsen all push through to the front with Ewan coming off the shoulder of Van Aert to take the win!

That’s a signal of intent for the green jersey.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

14:28 , Michael Jones

It is very evident that the intermediate is sprint coming up and points are in play.

There is only 46 seconds between the break and the pelaton with about a kilometre to go before the sprint.

Peter Sagan’s men have taken to the front of the pack.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

14:20 , Michael Jones

We’re closely approaching the next part of this stage. The mountains are over, the intermediate sprint is next followed by the bridge and the finish.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

14:17 , Michael Jones

Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl have positioned themselves near the front of the pelaton as expected before the stage kicked off.

UAE Team Emirates are up their too and Peter Sagan of Team TotalEnergies is pushing to the front as well.

There’s a few kilometres before to go before the intermediate sprint.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

14:13 , Michael Jones

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(AFP via Getty Images)
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Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

14:09 , Michael Jones

With 90km to go Dan Lloyd, on commentary for Eurosport, observed that the front two of Cort and Bystrom will try to push on in the hope that there will be some disruption in the crosswinds later which could help them out.

Chances are it’ll be a sprint finish, but anything could happen with these narrow roads and winds. It’s a deliberate ploy from the race organisers to try and set up some excitement.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

13:58 , Michael Jones

Inside 100km now which means the riders have passed the halfway stage. The pelaton have caught the two B&B Hotels riders, Cyril Barthe and Pierre Rolland, and are steadily closing the gap on the two Scandinavian leaders.

96km to go.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

13:48 , Michael Jones

The last remaining milestone on the route, before the 18km bridge, is the intermediate sprint, which arrives with 75.3km to go.

It’s still a ways off as the riders still have 104km to go in total.

Magnus Cort and Sven Erik Bystrom have opened up a 3 minute 16 second lead over the pelaton but that will be cut completely when the teams start to position themselves for the sprint.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

13:37 , Michael Jones

Magnus Cort will wear the polka dot jersey tomorrow.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

13:35 , Michael Jones

The crowds are loving it.

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Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

13:31 , Michael Jones

Lovely scenes from Magnus Cort Nielsen who bombs in front of Sven Bystrom and powers up the final 100m of the climb to take all three King of the Mountain points.

He raises his arms in celebration to his home crowd as he crosses the line and properly secures the polka dot jersey.

There’s still 116km to go in the stage.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

13:26 , Michael Jones

Côte de Kårup Strandbakke is the third and final category-four climb of the day. It’s also the longest one at 1.3km with an averge gradient of 5.8%.

Bystrom and Cort have just hit it and it’ll be another shootout between the pair.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

13:23 , Michael Jones

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Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

13:16 , Michael Jones

Magnus Cort will wear the maillot à pois – the polka dot jersey – on Sunday. He claims his second mountain classification point of the day and takes an unassailable lead with only one point left to play for.

It will be interesting to see how his team tackle the final half of the race having successful taken the mountain points.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

13:13 , Michael Jones

Here we go then, the second King of the Mountains climb. It’s a two-way shootout between Bystrom and Cort. The two B&B Hotels riders are close to 10 seconds behind them.

Cort launches himself in front of Bystrom as they round the corner for the final climb. He opens up one bike length, then two and crosses the line to claim his second KOM point of the day!

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

13:08 , Michael Jones

133 km to go today. The next climb is around 4km away and is the shortest of the three category-fours today. Côte d’Høve Stræde is an 800m climb with an average gradient of 6%.

The crowds are waiting at the top with Bystrom and Cort heading their way out in front.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

13:03 , Michael Jones

The second climb is just 10km away and the gap between the breakaway and the pelaton has now increased. It’s up to 2’45’’ the longest it’s been all day.

Bystrom and Cort have set off on their own, leaving the B&B Hotels boys behind them as they prepare to attack the next hill.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

12:59 , Michael Jones

A few mindgames and tactical plans from Rolland and Barthe fail to work for the B&B Hotels boys. Sven Erik Bystrom and Magnus Cort burst ahead of the them before Cort eases in front and wins the KOM point on this first climb!

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

12:57 , Michael Jones

Here comes the first climb. Pierre Rolland will be having a go for the King of the Mountains here. The climb is 1.1km long and the roads have narrowed quite dramatically.

The pelaton have upped their pace as well. The gap has quickly been closed to 1’46’’.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

12:52 , Michael Jones

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Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

12:47 , Michael Jones

The leaders are heading swiftly towards the first of the category four climbs. Called Côte d’Asnæs Indelukke, it is a 1.1km climb with an average gradient of 5.4%.

The breakaway quartet of Cyril Barthe and Pierre Rolland (B&B Hotels - KTM) Sven Erik Bystrom (Intermarché–Wanty–Gobert Matériaux) and Magnus Cort (EF Education–EasyPost) should hit it in about 10km’s time.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

12:37 , Michael Jones

In a stark contrast to yesterday the weather is perfect for today’s ride. The sun is shining and the roads are dry.

The pelaton has hit 65km/h and has once again closed the gap on the breakaway four to around 1’40’’ with 156km to go.

The tv helicopters are showing of the wondrous views of Denmark, at the minute focusing on the coastline as the riders are about to approach it.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

12:31 , Michael Jones

Chris Anker Sørensen was a Danish road bicycle racer who rode professionally between 2005 and 2018 for the Team Designa Køkken, Tinkoff–Saxo, Fortuneo–Vital Concept, and Riwal Platform teams.

He sadly passed away in September last year after being hit by a car whilst out riding.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

12:24 , Michael Jones

Magnus Cort isn’t overly chuffed with the effort some of the other members of the break are putting in. He’s just had a word with the two French B&B Hotels p/b KTM riders, Pierre Rolland and Cyril Barthe.

After the chat the breakaway ups the tempo and moves a few more seconds ahead of the chasing pelaton.

Nothing too strenuous but the gap is now up to 1 minute 50 seconds.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

12:17 , Michael Jones

A note on the weather. The riders are dealing with a headwind instead of the expected crosswinds which could have caused a bit of trouble.

Of course that may change but a headwind makes things slightly easy for the cyclists who can bunch up behind one another to utilise slipstreams and take some breaks.

170km to go.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

12:15 , Michael Jones

Magnus Cort Nielsen moves to the front of the breakaway four who have stabilised a lead of around 1’34’’ ahead of the pelaton. He’s won a Tour stage in 2018, and has six stage wins at the Vuelta a Espana on his palmarès.

So, he’s an experienced head to have in this leading pack.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

12:07 , Michael Jones

178km to go for the leading cyclists who are slowly being reigned in by the Pelaton.

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Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

12:01 , Michael Jones

The time difference between the leading quartet and the peloton was 2 minutes 15 seconds at the 12km mark but it has gone down to just 1’45’’ at km 17.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

11:55 , Michael Jones

Bradley Wiggins has outlined how dangerous it could be for the riders today but that there is a fairly relaxed atmosphere amongst the competitiors saying:

“It’s quite relaxed actually, that break went pretty early and some rider just making adjustments to their bikes having swapped from the time trial bikes yesterday to the road ones today.

“The crowds are very, very deep so it’ll be dangerous when they’re up to full speed later on. Lots to look forward to with that.”

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

11:48 , Michael Jones

Pierre Rolland heading off on the early breaking is a sign that he’ll be going for the will be going for the King of the Mountain points on the three categorised climbs.

Alll three climbs are within the first half of the race today.

195km or so left to go.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

11:43 , Michael Jones

Immediately there’s a breakaway from four cyclists but no-one else seems to be tempted by the early attack and the pelaton lets them go.

Sven Erik Bystrom, Cyril Barth, Pierre Rolland and Magnus Cort Nielsen are the men out in front.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

11:40 , Michael Jones

Adam Yates of the Ineos Grenadiers has pulled over to the side of the road with a flat tyre. He gets it sorted quickly and rejoins the back of the pelaton.

Finally, they hit the edge of two and Stage 2 is underway!

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

11:31 , Michael Jones

There is a steady 4.5km run to the Départ Réel.

It’s the first road stage of the Tour and the riders start in the Danish town of Roskilde before cycling 202km to Nyborg.

These early stages will see GC contenders jossling for their ideal position’s in the pelaton and teams setting themselves up in the best places to tackle the expected crosswinds on the coastline and the bridge later in the day.

Tour de France 2022: ‘Everyone wants it’: Tour de France Femmes hailed as big moment for cycling

11:25 , Michael Jones

After years of waiting there is less than a month left until the start of the Tour de France Femmes.

A women’s edition of cycling’s biggest race has been top of the wish-list for many riders for a long time, and it will be granted when the peloton sets off from Paris on July 24 – the final day of the men’s race – reaching a climax on La Planches des Belles Filles a week later.

There have been tokenistic attempts, not least the much criticised La Course held alongside the Tour in recent years, but it has taken until now for a proper eight-day women’s Tour to be born.

“As a cyclist people always ask you, ‘Are you doing the Tour de France?’” former British champion Alice Barnes, a rider for Canyon-SRAM, told the PA news agency. “You’d have to say no and explain it’s because there isn’t one.”

‘Everyone wants it’: Tour de France Femmes hailed as big moment for cycling

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2 Roskilde-Nyborg

11:17 , Michael Jones

There are just three small category-four climbs in today’s stage where a solitary point is up for grabs in the mountains classification atop each one and so should one rider from a breakaway take two, then he will wear the maillot à pois – the polka dot jersey – on Sunday.

If three riders take a point each, then the leader in that particular competition will be determined by their respective standings in the general classification.

Tour de France 2022: The threat of rising Covid cases

11:12 , Michael Jones

The most obvious factor that could upend this Tour is the rise of Covid-19 cases across the continent once again.

The Tour de Suisse, a key warm-up race, was badly hit as almost 30 riders withdrew either because they had contracted the virus, been deemed a close contact, or because their teams pulled out en masse due to cases within their camp.

Already QuickStep-Alpha Vinyl have been forced into a change with key domestique Tim Declerq having tested positive just a few days before the Tour, and there is a real fear there will be more cases in the coming days.

The UCI has tightened its Covid regulations in response, but will it be enough to keep the peloton safe?

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2 Roskilde-Nyborg

11:06 , Michael Jones

Much of this 202.2km trek is barely above sea level with only a couple of tiny climbs yet the jeopardy comes if the wind blows. It could create significant time gaps, particularly in the final 18km over the dramatic – and completely exposed – Great Belt bridges.

Jumbo-Visma and Ineos are masters at exploiting crosswinds, but the real experts are Quickstep-Alpha Vinyl with their sprinter Fabio Jakobsen the favourite to take the stage along with fellow Dutchman Dylan Groenewegen.

Tour de France 2022: Stage 2

11:03 , Michael Jones

The spectators are readying themselves along the 202km route for the second stage of 2022’s Tour de France.

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How the British became so successful at the Tour de France

11:00 , Michael Jones

If the average British sports fan knows anything at all about Tom Simpson it’s that he died riding his bike. Ascending the notorious Mont Ventoux in the 1967 Tour de France, he collapsed. That year he was among the favourites for overall victory, the first Briton so heralded. But as the Tour entered its second week Simpson fell ill with diarrhoea. He laboured on. The 13th stage of the race, on 13 July, tackled the 1,909m peak of Ventoux. It was stiflingly hot.

Back in 1967 drugs were commonplace in professional cycling – only officially been banned on the Tour in 1965 – with amphetamine, known for its ability to allow athletes to push their bodies beyond normal limits, the medication of choice. The morning of Simpson’s death, Tour doctor and anti-drug campaigner, Pierre Dumas, had warned cyclists of the dangers of using amphetamine in the extreme heat. As the climb began Simpson fell away from the leading group. The footage of what then happened makes for painful viewing. He began riding erratically, his bike zig-zagging across the road. A kilometre from the summit he fell. His team and spectators rushed to help, suggesting he retire from the race. “Put me back on my bike,” Simpson insisted.

After another half kilometre, a group of spectators grabbed him to stop him from falling again. They carried him to the roadside, unconscious. The medical team gave him mouth-to-mouth and cardiac massage as Dumas arrived with oxygen. It was all too late. The autopsy discovered alcohol (courtesy of a slug of brandy at the foot of Ventoux) and amphetamine in his system and concluded he died of heart failure brought on by heat exhaustion, illness and drug abuse.

The maillot jaune – or yellow jersey – is, of course, one of the most emblematic items of sporting apparel. It is worn by the leader of the Tour de France and 10 years ago this month Bradley Wiggins rode into Paris wearing it as Britain’s first winner of the famous race, after taking the lead on stage 7 and holding it for 15 days, all the way to Paris. It was front-page news, the culmination of a great career on track and road. The average British sports fan knew all about it.

The incredible rise of British success at the Tour de France

Tour de France 2022: Danish police raid cycling team Bahrain Victorious on eve of Grand Depart

10:53 , Michael Jones

Danish police carried out a search at the hotel of cycling team Bahrain Victorious at the request of French authorities on Thursday, Copenhagen Police said in a statement on the eve of the Tour de France Grand Depart.

Authorities searched all team vehicles and the rooms of staff and riders at 5:30 a.m. local time in Brondby. The homes of riders and staff were also searched by police on Monday before their departure for the Tour.

French prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation into doping allegations against Bahrain Victorious after police searched the team’s hotel late in last year’s race.

“Based on a request from the French police, as part of an ongoing investigation in France, we have carried out a search at a hotel in Brondby,” Chief Superintendent Dannie Rise said.

Danish police raid team Bahrain Victorious on eve of Tour de France

Tour de France 2022: Bahrain-Victorious investigation

10:45 , Michael Jones

On Monday the Bahrain-Victorious team announced a number of riders and staff had their homes searched by police prior to their departure for Copenhagen.

It comes after police last year raided the team’s hotel during the Tour, with the team saying the latest searches are a continuation of the same anti-doping investigation, though few details are known.

Whether or not more comes to light over the next three weeks remains to be seen.

Tadej Pogacar ready to join elite club with hat-trick of Tour de France wins

10:40 , Michael Jones

Tadej Pogacar can join some elite clubs at the Tour de France over the next few weeks but a man still eligible for the young rider’s classification has no time to think about his place in history.

Pogacar, still only 23, is seeking to become only the ninth man to win three or more Tours, and only the seventh to win three in a row. Given the 2020 Tour was delayed until late in the year due to Covid-19, his would also be the quickest hat-trick ever scored if he is wearing yellow in Paris on July 24.

Such achievements would put Pogacar’s name alongside some of the greats in Tour history – five-time winners Eddy Merckx, Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain among them – but the Slovenian will save such thoughts for another day.

Tadej Pogacar ready to join elite club with hat-trick of Tour de France wins

Tadej Pogacar: The invisible champion out to win historic third Tour de France

10:33 , Michael Jones

In Monaco, Tadej Pogacar blends into the city. He walks invisibly through the streets and potters freely around his local supermarket. Even in his favourite bike shop, the best cyclist in the world queues among the muggles without being disturbed. “I like to go inside and see what’s new, and of course I don’t mind if there’s customers in front of me, it’s normal,” he says.

By all measures a double Tour de France champion should be one of the most recognisable athletes on the planet, a bonafide global superstar unable to walk through a hotel lobby without dark glasses and an entourage, but somehow Pogacar has not yet transcended the sport. One suspects if he was from cycling’s European heartlands or the US with a name that rolled off the tongue, his profile might be a little different. His “TP” brand with an eagle motif and a “never give up” tagline is yet to take off quite like Roger Federer or Tiger Woods.

But understated and low-key is how Pogacar approaches life and cycling, just riding for the joy of it, an ethos which has brought rich rewards so far. After winning back-to-back Tours de France, an historic third this month would set him firmly on course to becoming one of cycling’s all-time greats, and what makes it all possible is just how little he is driven by his own sporting legacy.

“For me that’s not something that I would enjoy after [my career] too much and brag about it. I work hard to win a lot of races, but for me the priority is just to be a good friend to my friends and have good relations with the people I want in my life.”

Tadej Pogacar: The invisible champion out to win historic third Tour de France

Tour de France 2022: Pressure on Jakobsen?

10:26 , Michael Jones

It has long been QuickStep-Alpha Vinyl’s plan that Fabio Jakobsen and not Mark Cavendish would be their man for the sprints this summer, but confirmation of a Cav-less eight-man squad was still met with disappointment.

Cavendish illuminated last year’s Tour with his remarkable run of four victories, a stunning comeback as he matched Eddy Merckx’s all-time record of 34 Tour stage victories, but the Manxman will not be adding to that tally as the ruthless Patrick Lefevere favours the younger man this time.

After Cavendish’s superb display in last weekend’s British national road race, Jakobsen – who has fought back from a life-threatening crash at the 2020 Tour of Poland – must surely be feeling the pressure to prove his boss’s decision was right.

He’ll have the chance to prove himself today though. If QuickStep-Alpha Vinyl can position themselves well coming off the bridge, Jakobsen should be set up nicely for the 700m sprint to the finish line.

Tour de France 2022 Stage 2 start time

10:20 , Michael Jones

The next stage of the Tour de France is scheduled to begin at around 11:15pm BST and should finish around 4:10pm BST.

Live racing each day will be shown on ITV4 before highlights typically at 7pm each day. ITV’s website lists timings here.

Tour de France 2022 Stage 2 preview: Route map and profile

10:15 , Michael Jones

Stage 2 promises spectacular imagery and, if the wind picks up, plenty of action on the road as the peloton traces the Danish coastline before crossing the majestic Great Belt Bridge.

One of the beauties of the Grand Depart going on Tour is that it throws up totally unknown routes and almost anything could happen on a day like this one. Fierce crosswinds could split the pack and put a serious dent in the hopes of those who come out on the wrong side.

The route is a long 202.5km, with three categorised climbs dotted in the middle, before eventually reaching the bridge.

Fabio Jakobsen and Dylan Groenewegen eye Stage 2 win at Tour de France

Tour de France 2022 - Stage 1 result and leaderboard

10:08 , Michael Jones

  1. Yves Lampaert (Bel) QuickStep-AlphaVinyl 00:15:17

  2. Wout van Aert (Bel) Jumbo-Visma 00:00:05

  3. Tadej Pogacar (Slo) UAE Team Emirates 00:00:07

  4. Filippo Ganna (GBr) Ineos Grenadiers 00:00:10

  5. Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) Alpecin-Deceuninck 00:00:13

  6. Mads Pedersen (Den) Trek-Segafredo 00:00:15

  7. Jonas Vingegaard (Den) Jumbo-Visma 00:00:16

  8. Primoz Roglic (Slo) Jumbo-Visma 00:00:16

  9. Bauke Mollema (Ned) Trek-Segafredo 00:00:17

  10. Dylan Teuns (Bel) Bahrain Victorious 00:00:20

Tour de France 2022: How to watch on TV and online

10:00 , Michael Jones

Tour de France coverage can be found this year on ITV4, Eurosport, Discovery+ and GCN+ (Global Cycling Network).

Live racing each day will be shown on ITV4 before highlights typically at 7pm each day. ITV’s website lists timings here.

Eurosport and GCN+ will show every minute of every stage. More on Eurosport’s coverage here and the GCN+ coverage here.

It is also being shown on Eurosport’s Discovery+ streaming service, with broadcast info here.

Yves Lampaert claims surprise win on opening Tour de France stage in wet Copenhagen

09:49 , Michael Jones

Yves Lampaert took the first yellow jersey, seven seconds ahead of defending champion Tadej Pogacar, as the 109th Tour de France started under clouds both real and metaphorical in Copenhagen.

QuickStep-Alpha Vinyl’s Lampaert won a damp and treacherous 13.2km opening time trial around the Danish capital in a time of 15 minutes 17 seconds to beat fellow Belgian Wout van Aert by five seconds, with Pogacar finishing third to make an early statement in his bid for a third consecutive title.

Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard conceded nine seconds to Pogacar, while an overdressed Geraint Thomas, who forgot to take his gilet off before the start, finished 18 seconds down on the defending champion.

That put the Welshman third within his own team as Adam Yates and Tour debutant Tom Pidcock impressed on their return from Covid-19, finishing two and one seconds ahead of Thomas respectively.

Yves Lampaert claims surprise win on opening Tour de France stage in wet Copenhagen