Tirreno-Adriatico 2024: Jasper Philipsen dominates Stage 2 sprint as Juan Ayuso keeps GC lead

Updated 05/03/2024 at 16:22 GMT

Alpecin–Deceuninck speedster Jasper Philipsen looked in ominous form as he dominated the finale on Stage 2 at Tirreno-Adriatico. Philipsen easily overhauled Tim Merlier in the sprint and had time to sit up before the line and celebrate his first victory of the season. Juan Ayuso kept his overall lead and will again start in the leader’s jersey on Wednesday’s run from Volterra to Gualdo Tadino.

Highlights: Philipsen in charge on Stage 2 as Cavendish punctures late

Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin–Deceuninck) roared to a dominant sprint victory on Stage 2 at Tirreno-Adriatico as he claimed his first win of 2024.

The Belgian, who won four stages at the Tour de France last year, found the wheel of compatriot Tim Merlier (Soudal–QuickStep) around the final corner, letting his rival expend himself on the home straight before swooping round for victory.

Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) finished in the bunch to keep his lead in the general classification. The 21-year-old Spaniard stunned Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) to win the opening day time trial on Monday.

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A four-man breakaway – Lorenzo Quartucci and Jan Stockli (both Corratec-Vini Fantini), Davide Bais (Polti-Kometa) and Filippo Magli (VF-Bardiani CSF-Faizane) – was established almost immediately as they hoovered up the various bonus points on offer.

Bais claimed the lead in the mountains classification before an attack from Stockli saw the break splinter. The bunch, now fronted by the sprint teams, gobbled up the chasing trio with 45km remaining, with Stockli’s unlikely solo pursuit ending with 37m to go.

Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan) punctured late as his hopes of victory evaporated, with Merlier and Philipsen headlining the sprint action.

Despite sitting up after Philipsen had whistled past, Merlier then got his head back down to take second. Biniam Girmay (Intermarche–Wanty) grabbed third but was later demoted by race commissaires after a near-miss in the sprint with Axel Zingle (Cofidis), who was bumped onto the podium.

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