Stage 2 of Tour of Britain finished in another close fight for victory involving Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka’s Edvald Boasson Hagen. The strong Norwegian crossed the line first but was then relegated due to irregular sprinting. Elia Viviani (Team Sky) was later awarded the stage win.
Early on Monday’s stage 2, seven riders managed to get away and establish a solid gap on the peloton. Knowing that the day would most likely end in a bunch sprint, the early break wasn’t given many chances of making it all the way. With several sprint teams to share the workload, the pack seemed to have everything under control at all time.
The breakaway was kept in check and with just over 10 kilometres left to go, it was back together again. Philippe Gilbert (Quick Step Floors) then tried to get away but after a few kilometres alone at the front, he too was brought back by the teams of the sprinters.
In the final kilometre of the stage, Renshaw moved to the front with Boasson Hagen on his wheel. The duo were first into the final corner and after being delivered in pole position, Boasson Hagen started his sprint, gunning for victory. Initially, the 30-year-old Norwegian was proclaimed winner of the stage but after reviewing the sprint, Boasson Hagen got relegated due to irregular sprinting and Viviani was awarded the win instead.
Edvald Boasson Hagen: “I know that I closed in on Viviani but it wasn’t on purpose. I was just sprinting for the line with my head down and when I looked up, I was too close on the left side with Viviani on my inside. It’s really a pity after all the hard work the guys did today. However, we will keep fighting and try to go for it again tomorrow”.
