Second Stage Thriller Goes to Christen, Omrzel in White Jersey

The second chapter of this year’s Tour of Slovenia unfolded like a sports thriller, with the big winner of the day being Swiss rider Fabio Christen (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team). He is now the new overall leader of the race and was ultimately awarded the stage win. Slovenian fans had reason to celebrate thanks to Jakob Omrzel (Bahrain Victorious), who will wear the white jersey for the best young rider tomorrow.

Rui Filipe Alves Oliveira (UAE Team Emirates XRG) was the first to cross the finish line in Rogaška Slatina, which would have been his first professional victory. However, race officials immediately announced they would review the footage, and eventually ruled that he deviated from his line and endangered another rider. As a result, the win was awarded to the second-place Swiss rider, who had earned his place at the top of the general classification with a determined performance in both of the opening stages. Alves Oliveira was relegated to sixth place, the last position in the leading group.

Another standout of the day was Jakob Omrzel, who performed excellently in the final part of the stage, finishing with the lead group and moving to the top of the young riders' classification. “The pace on the climbs was really tough, and in the end, a selection of the six best riders formed. We didn’t expect it entirely, but we were alert that it could happen. We didn’t rule out such an outcome. I was there on the short climbs, and when the move happened, we followed — and that’s how it was decided,” Omrzel said after the race.

Fabio Christen said after the race: “It's amazing. I came directly back from the big altitude camp, preparing for the Tour de Suisse. The goal was to get the legs really ready for the upcoming home race and maybe try to win a stage. Today, unfortunately, I finished in second place — I was hoping for a little bit more. But to lead the general classification is also really nice. Now I just have to take it day by day. I'm already tired after two days in the breakaway, but I'll try to hold onto the jersey as long as possible.” Christen made this statement before the official decision was announced, meaning his secret wish of a stage victory came true.

The dramatic twist in the race began with the climb to Celje Hut, after a relatively calm first part of the stage starting in Velenje. Strong teams set a fierce pace and did everything to drop the green jersey holder Dylan Groenewegen (Jajco-AlUla) from contention for the stage win. The attack succeeded, and the Dutchman was left behind. The large group broke apart completely over the many small climbs that followed, leaving only general classification contenders in the fight for victory.

Stage three, from Majšperk to Ormož, will also be very hilly, and after the way today's stage ended, it’s likely that no one will dare to predict tomorrow's outcome. One thing is certain — we’re in for more intense racing that’s only going to escalate.

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Photo credits: Sportida.com