Sprinters or Escapers to Take Charge in Stage Two in Switzerland? Here’s What Some Contenders Say
The outcome of the second stage of the Tour de Suisse is far from certain. The race features a flat finale, but has a surprise in store about ten kilometers before the finish with the Regensberg climb (2.2 km at 7.7%). Will the sprinters survive this challenge or will a few adventurous riders battle for the win? Even the riders themselves are unsure.
Thibau Nys
“Am I a different rider since the Tour de Romandie? I don’t know. I think I am still the same. Same goals, same ambitions. I am just happy to be racing in Switzerland again,” said Thibau Nys in an interview with Cycling Pro Net. Since his victory in Romandie, the Belgian seems unstoppable. He quickly added more wins to his success in Romandie.
“Hopefully, I can show something beautiful this week,” Nys continued. “This finale should suit me in principle, although I am not sure if it is tough enough to really challenge the sprinters. Maybe we can make some sprinters suffer, but certainly not all of them. I just hope to be there in the finale and have a nice sprint. It will definitely not be easy.”
Jordi Meeus
While Thibau Nys should be able to handle both scenarios well, Jordi Meeus is hoping for a sprint. Prior to the race, the man from BORA-hansgrohe told WielerFlits that he sees few opportunities for himself. “I am now doing the Tour de Suisse. It is not an ideal race for fast men like me. There are not even any sprint chances. But they wanted me to have that stage race in my legs, in case I do go to the Tour,” he said.
Before the start of stage two, the Belgian sounded slightly more positive in an interview with Cycling Pro Net. “The form is not bad, I can’t complain. This Tour de Suisse doesn’t have many good stages for me, I have to be honest. But we will have to make the best of it. I hope for a sprint today, as that will probably be the only opportunity. For us, it will be all-in. Hopefully, there are a few other teams with sprinters who approach it the same way.”
Arnaud De Lie
Finally, De Lie also shares his thoughts on today’s stage. “There are not many opportunities for sprinters this week, so I have no choice but to be motivated today,” said the Belgian through the team’s channels. “It will not be easy, as there are some steep sections. If the pace on the climbs gets too high, the number of sprinters will decrease, and we still have Maxim Van Gils to rely on. We now know that he can also sprint, which is definitely an advantage. It is crucial to remain alert at the front, that’s for sure.”