The second stage from Clermont-Ferrand to Mauriac contained six classified climbs and was sure to bring some changes in the overall classification. Mavi Garcia made sure she didn`t loose time, while Silke Smulders aimed for a the white jersey which is sponsored by Liv.
With the Côte du Mont-Dore (1,3 km à 6%), Côte de la Stèle (1,8 km à 4,7%), Côte des Plaines (4,5 km à 5,5%), Côte des Boissières (1,2 km à 7,2%), Côte de Merlhac (1,9 km à 5,5) and Côte de Trébiac (3,4 km à 5,8%) the second stage of the Tour de France Femmes was a hard stage. After a duo escapees was caught three other riders tried their luck on the Côte des Plaines. Quinty Ton tried to bridge to the front, but didn`t succeed and was reeled in by the peloton again.
Rain added an extra dimension in the finale. The attempt of the trio ended at the start of the final climb. The were numerous crashes on the slippery roads, which affected Mavi Garcia`s stage. The Spanish champion was held up by a crash and lost some time. Garcia fought on and got back in the first peloton. In the final kilometre SD Worx pulled in the group causing some splits. Garcia stayed in the front and only lost 8 seconds, finishing 20th in the stage. In the overall classification Garcia is standing 15th.
Silke Smulders was standing second in the youth classification and aimed for the white Liv jersey in the second stage. The Dutch rider lost some time and is now standing third in this classification.
After the finish Quinty Ton reviewed her stage. “Yesterday I had an off day. Today I tried to be in the early breakaway, but a few other riders had that plan also. When the plan of the early breakaway didn`t work out I tried to help the team as good as possible. The plan was to keep Mavi safe in the front. That`s why I tried to bridge to the leading trio, as I thought I could help Mavi being in the front. I couldn`t close the gap with the leaders, so I dropped back into the peloton. On the final climb I rode a steady pace to limit our losses, so Silke is still contention for the white jersey. I am happy with today`s stage, I felt a lot better than yesterday.”