World champion Julian Alaphilippe won the second stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico on Thursday with an impressive kick in the uphill finish to Chiusdino.
After the 202 km stage from Camaiore, the Frenchman held off Mathieu van der Poel, five days after the Dutchman beat him in the Strade Bianche.
“I was focused on keeping my position and it was a perfect situation for us, with João Almeida [up front], and for me to follow the attacks in the final kilometres,” Alaphilippe said.
“I kept my position in the front with the help of Kasper Asgreen and Zdenek Stybar, and we saw João as going full gas in the last kilometre, so I was focused on what was happening behind me and everyone was on the limit. When I saw João, I went full gas. This victory makes me really happy.”
Wout van Aert took third place to retain the overall lead after sprinting to victory in the opening stage on Wednesday.
Friday’s third stage is an undulating 219-km ride from Monticiano to Gualdo Tadino.
