Even in shortened stage 2, Magnier proves far too strong for sprint rivals at CRO Race

The first stage of the CRO Race may have produced the expected winner in Paul Magnier, but the second stage would be a little more difficult. With several hills in the final, some sprinters would struggle, although the Frenchman can handle some altitude. However, that would no longer be necessary: the organization shortened the second stage to just 51 kilometers.

The reason was that there was a strong crosswind. The bridge at Rtina was considered too dangerous, and an alternative route could not be found. Therefore, the finish would suddenly be on the climb to Jovići, a third-category climb (7.9 km at 2.1%). An unpredictable climb, but never really steep. So the riders had to adapt: what kind of spectacle would we suddenly get?

This meant that many riders would have fresh legs at the end of the race. As a result, the race was fast from the start: an avalanche of attacks meant that four riders managed to break away: Dutchman Alex Molenaar (Caja Rural - Seguros RGA), together with Artur Sowinski (Run & Race - Wibatech), Dan Andrej Tomsic, and Domen Oblak (both Pogi Team Gusto Ljubljana) took the lead.

The big teams were able to control the race easily, partly thanks to the shortened course. After Oblak was dropped, the trio gained a maximum lead of one minute. After Molenaar also dropped back, the adventure of the last two escapees was over at about 7 kilometers from the finish, at the foot of the final climb. Was it tough enough for something exciting, or would it just be a sprint?

UAE Team Emirates - XRG took the lead on the first sections, while Bahrain Victorious also picked up the pace. The sprinters' teams were holding back somewhat. At 1.5 kilometers, an attack was neutralized, after which the sprinters' teams took over. Danny van Poppel squeezed his way to the front, but Paul Magnier started from far back and surprised his rivals: he took his second win. Van Poppel finished fourth.