A number of riders have voiced their criticism following the crash-marred finish of today’s second stage of La Provence where a number of riders crashed at the final corner.
As can be seen in the video below, there was a speed bump with just over 100 metres to go which came just after the final corner which was one of a series of corners in the final kilometre.
Wouter Wippert of Cannondale tweeted afterwards: “Crazy final today in tour de provence! 4 corners in the last 300 meters. Caught behind a crash 😞 #provence #cannondale”
His team-mate Lawson Craddock was also critical of the organisers as he tweeted aftewards: “Welcome to the Tour de Let’s Make The Most Dangerous Finishing Circuits Possible!”
Another Cannondale rider also voiced his criticism as Alex Howes tweeted: “Two stages, two sets of insane finishing circuits. Poles EVERYWHERE. Padding nowhere.”
The Etixx – Quick Step duo of Davide Martinelli and Fernando Gaviria managed to avoid the carnage with Martinelli taking the win ahead of his Colombian team-mate. Thomas Voeckler ((Direct Energie) hung on to the race lead following on from his stage win yesterday.
Stage 2 Results
1 Davide Martinelli (Ita) Etixx – Quick-Step 4:48:17
2 Fernando Gaviria (Col) Etixx – Quick-Step
3 Daniele Ratto (Ita) Androni Giocattoli – Sidermec
4 Jan Bakelants (Bel) AG2R La Mondiale
5 Michael Van Staeyen (Bel) Cofidis, Solutions Credits
6 Antoine Demoitie (Bel) Wanty – Groupe Gobert
7 Damien Touze (Fra) French National Team
8 Sergei Chernetski (Rus) Team Katusha
9 Simon Sellier (Fra) French National Team
10 Hugo Hofstetter (Fra) Cofidis, Solutions Credits
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