But the defending Tirreno-Adriatico champion still moved into the overall lead after the 229km stage from Camaiore to Pomarance, taking over from team-mate Damiano Caruso after his fourth place at the finish.
Geraint Thomas
“The team time trial was a massive disappointment for us as we came here for GC with myself and Mikel Landa. It shows that anything can happen in sport. We wanted to be aggressive today. I didn’t expect to win this way but I had my chance and I took it. I’ve been lucky enough to finish it off. I’m happy with the win. We’ve got Elia [Viviani] for a sprint finish tomorrow. We have a few guys for the mountain stage after tomorrow. We still have good chances for stages.”
Greg van Avermaet
“I was targeting the stage win today over the leader’s jersey. I’m a bit disappointed because my legs enabled me to do better but I found myself blocked in a difficult situation and it was hard to catch Geraint Thomas. I’m not hoping for a mountain stage to be cancelled because of the snow this year. I want to win a stage and the most important thing is to stay healthy ahead of the classics. I’m yet to win a monument and I’m determined to do it this year. I’m on good form and the team has been strong since the beginning of the season too.”
Velon Data Summary Stage 2
First 120km
Tim Wellens – LOTTO SOUDAL
Time: 3hr 05min 34sec
Average Speed: 38.7km/h (Max: 68.3km/h)
Power: 171W (961W)
Peak effort: 405W for 1min after 10km when the peloton accelerated shortly before the break was let go.
Breakaway
Average speed: 39.84km/h.
The break covered the first 120km in 3hr 00min 49sec
The Peloton is riding at a very controlled pace for the first 120km keeping the break at a long leash – 4:30 to 5 minutes.
Final
Tom Dumoulin – SUNWEB
The final (last 5.5KM):
Speed: 36.6km/h (Max: 56.0km/h in the short descent that was part of the final)
Power: 375W (Max: 841W)
Dumoulin attacks into the last KM and chases Geraint Thomas. He creates a large gap to the field and is able to take second place on the day!
Tim Wellens – LOTTO SOUDAL
The final (last 8KM):
Speed: 34.8km/h (Max: 58.4km/h)
Power: 428W (Max: 1012W)
Last KM: Tim puts out 512W for 1min 42sec to finish with the best riders – his heart rate reaches up to 180bpm. He had been very active during the final ascent, following attacks and riding at the front of the group.
