Tour of Hungary
For the second stage over 162 km, the professional cyclists started on Thursday in the famous wine town of Tokaj. While the first stage offered good opportunities especially for the sprinters, the puncheurs had an advantage here due to the climbs totaling 1,023 meters.
On this route too, the cyclists were welcomed and cheered by numerous fans from all age groups – even a kindergarten group was present. Numerous spectators waved the flags of their favorites’ countries of origin. Particularly creative minds used the event to send a message: the symbol for “peace” was painted on the floor in the shape of a wheel.
The weather was significantly better compared to the previous day. The sun’s rays fell on the vines, providing a unique backdrop for the race. Trees along the road also provided shady stretches so that the drivers hopefully didn’t get sunburnt.
At times a group of four took the lead and pulled away with a lead of 3 minutes. Among them was the Hungarian professional cyclist Zsolt Istlstekker, who will take over the white jersey from Balázs Rozsa on the next stage thanks to his excellent performance.
The tension increased once more, especially on the home straight, and a close race developed. The previous day’s first-place finisher, Sam Welsford, was once once more at the front, but he was unable to take the penultimate corner. In a breathtaking sprint, the British professional cyclist Mark Cavendish showed his class and secured victory in the second section of the Tour de Hongrie 2024. The Dutchman Dylan Groenewegen secured second place, followed by the Spanish professional cyclist Jon Aberasturi.
#sunshine #vines