After a strong opening day, Team Visma | Lease a Bike took responsibility for controlling the race. Five riders went clear early on, while Steven Kruijswijk and Owain Doull spent most of the day setting the pace at the front of the peloton. “It was a difficult day today,” reflected sports director Maarten Wynants. “With the high temperatures and the constant up-and-down roads, teams were looking at us to control the race.”

On the final climb to Pineda de la Sierra, the breakaway was caught and the battle between the general classification riders began. Brennan was dropped with around five kilometers to go, meaning he had to surrender the leader’s jersey. Ben Tulett also had a tougher day compared to the opening stage. “Ben didn’t feel the same way he did yesterday,” Wynants explained. “The main goal was to limit the damage. It was a day that really takes a lot out of you.”

Despite losing the leader’s jersey, Team Visma | Lease a Bike remains well represented in the general classification. Tulett currently sits in fourth place, just five seconds behind race leader Oscar Onley. “Ben is currently the rider who is best placed within the team for the general classification, but we will take it day by day,” Wynants concluded. “Tomorrow is another great opportunity to go for the win.”