In the hilly second stage of Itzulia Basque Country, the peloton crossed the Spanish-French border. After the start in Irun, a breakaway of five riders gained an advantage over the peloton, in which the Team Visma | Lease a Bike riders rode attentively.

When the breakaway was reeled in a good distance from the finish, the weather conditions worsened. After a rain-soaked finale, in which the wet roads posed an extra risk, Vingegaard and Loe van Belle finished in the first group. The rest of the yellow-and-black formation also reached the finish line safely a minute and a half later.

"I am relieved that we survived this stage unscathed", sports director Frans Maassen said afterwards. "The rain and the slippery roads proved to be very dangerous. It was a stressful day, but I'm glad we were able to finish it trouble-free. In the end, Loe did a great job in keeping Jonas out of trouble."

On Wednesday, the longest stage -including six categorized climbs- awaits the riders. Vingegaard will enter the third stage as fifth in GC.