A Sneak Peek into Stage 2 of Tour de France 2023: Explore the 209km Route from Vitoria-Gasteiz to San Sebastian

Longest stage of Tour de France with challenging final hill.

The 2023 Tour de France is set to continue with a challenging day of cycling in the Basque Country. The peloton will embark on a 209km journey from Vitoria-Gasteiz to the beautiful city of San Sebastian, culminating with a finish on the beachfront.

This particular stage will be particularly demanding for two reasons. Firstly, it is the longest stage of this year's Tour, spanning a total of 209km. Secondly, the final climb of the day, the Jaizkibel, poses a significant challenge with its draining 8.1km distance and an average gradient of 5.3%.

The Jaizkibel holds great significance in this region and has often proven to be the decisive point in the Clasica de San Sebastian race. Notable riders in this year's Tour who have emerged victorious in the Clasica include Julian Alaphilippe, a double world champion, Neilson Powless from America, Michal Kwiatkowski from Ineos, and the current yellow jersey holder, Adam Yates.

Yates demonstrated an impressive performance on stage one, securing a win with the support of his twin brother Simon. His victory was celebrated by his UAE Emirates teammate Tadej Pogacar, who finished third in the stage. This early triumph has given them an advantageous position in their battle against Jumbo-Visma's reigning champion, Jonas Vingegaard.

It is important to note that bonus seconds can be earned by the first riders to reach the top of the Jaizkibel. This incentive will likely encourage Pogacar and Vingegaard to fiercely compete if they find themselves at the forefront of the race. Such a showdown would not only provide an exhilarating spectacle but also offer insights into their current form.

However, it is also plausible that a breakaway group manages to establish a significant lead and maintains it until the end. In such a scenario, the stage victory would be up for grabs, potentially favoring an underdog within the peloton.

The stage is scheduled to commence at approximately 11.30am BST, setting the stage for an exciting day of racing.

If a breakaway manages to gain a substantial advantage, numerous riders possess the skills to contend for the stage win. Cyclists like Mads Pedersen, who possesses both a strong finishing sprint and the ability to conquer steep climbs, could emerge as contenders. Additionally, British champion Fred Wright may seize the opportunity to make his mark on this stage. However, if the breakaway is reeled in by the peloton, Wout van Aert becomes an enticing choice. The Belgian rider has previously demonstrated his climbing prowess despite being renowned for his sprinting abilities.

In conclusion, the upcoming stage of the 2023 Tour de France promises to be a grueling and captivating affair. With the backdrop of the Basque Country, riders will face the formidable challenge of the Jaizkibel climb, potentially leading to a thrilling battle among the top contenders. Whether a breakaway succeeds or the peloton reasserts control, this stage is sure to showcase the incredible talent and determination of the cyclists.

Share With Others