Fabio Jakobsen wins bunch sprint at the end of the second stage of Paris-Nice for QuickStep Alpha Vinyl

Fabio Jakobsen (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) won a bunch sprint into Orleans after a frantic second stage of Paris-Nice was disrupted by crosswinds. The Dutchman came home ahead of Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma), who had been led out by his team mate Christophe Laporte, who retains the leader’s jersey.

“I think Paris-Nice, first couple of days echelons and sprints, I have to do it in the first days,” Jakobsen said. “I love echelons and I’m just so happy I could do it for the team.” Ad/> After Team Jumbo-Visma's domination of Stage 1, the second day of racing seemed set to be one for the sprinters.

A couple of early short, sharp climbs were the perfect opportunity for an early break to establish themselves, before a long mostly flat run in to the town of Orleans seemed destined for the bunch to be caught and a sprint finish to ensue. /> Paris — NiceHighlights: Jumbo take control on Stage 1 of Paris-Nice as Laporte takes stunning victory20 HOURS AGO All of that being said, as yesterday showed, nothing can be taken for granted, especially if the spring winds start to blow on any exposed sections of road.

Philippe Gilbert and Matthew Holmes from Lotto Soudal made a very early move, slipping off the front with 156km to go – and they were joined by Alexis Gougeard (B&B Hotels-KTM). Holmes was clearly chasing king of the mountains points after his success on the climbs yesterday, and indeed was first over both Cote des 17 tournants and the 6% Cote de Choisel to ensure he held onto the polka dot jersey into day three.