Alexis Vuillermoz legs it to the line on Stage 2 of Criterium du Dauphine as breakaway beats bunch to finish

A perfectly timed surge from Alexis Vuillermoz (TotalEnergies) in the closing metres of the Criterium du Dauphine on Stage 2 delivered the Frenchman to a surprise stage victory from the breakaway. Having helped his fellow escapees in sealing the fate of the onrushing bunch behind, the veteran rider’s legs were second to launch their sprint but first to the line, as he claimed a famous late career win.

Ad/> It was his team’s first in the race since Thomas Voeckler nine years earlier, and brought with it their first leader’s jersey since David Veilleux wore it for three days of the same edition. /> Critérium du DauphinéFroome ‘injury free’ and ready to challenge once more after returning to Criterium du DauphineAN HOUR AGO Despite originally being set up for another showdown between the biggest names from the biggest teams, Criterium du Dauphine’s second stage went to one rider from a breakaway of five — none of whom seemed to have read the day’s script.

In terms of its profile, Stage 2 of the Criterium du Dauphine was almost a reverse of Stage 1. On Sunday the race had travelled largely from East to West, with most of the climbing booked in towards the beginning and end of the stage; on Monday the course traced an easterly route, drawing back towards the foothills of the Alps, and had the four hardest of its hills all within the central 100km of the race.