Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) won the 2nd stage of the Arctic Race of Norway from a mass sprint finish.
Thor Hushovd (BMC Racing) was 2nd across the line with Edward Theuns (Topsport Vlaanderen) rounding out the podium.
The long 207km stage was an arduous affair with a headwind meeting the riders for the majority of the stage. The profile was rather flat and a bunch sprint was always expected. 4 riders did form the main break of the day but the peloton was able to reel them in when and as they pleased. Apart from the pleasant scenery, the stage seemed a bit boring for spectators and riders alike. It was only with 15km’s to go that things sparked back into life for the sprint.
Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung were rather unlucky to have 3 of their riders taken out in a big crash with 8km’s to go. It looked as if it was a stray water bottle in the road that was the main culprit. Nicholas Dougall, Songezo Jim and Martin Reimer all went down at speed but thankfully all 3 riders were able to finish with just some cuts and bruises. In the build up to the sprint, Martin Wesemann did some fine work once again to assist Andreas Stauff but the chaotic and nervy bunch did not allow for Stauff to perform his sprint.
Arctic Tour of Norway (Norway) – (14-17 August/UCI 2.1) Team Lineup
Andreas Stauff (GER)
Johann van Zyl (RSA)
Martin Reimer (GER)
Martin Wesemann (RSA)
Songezo Jim (RSA)
Nicolas Dougall (RSA)
Stage Profiles Overview
Stage 2 – Friday 15 Aug (207km)
Stage 3 – Saturday 16 Aug (132km)
Stage 4 – Sunday 17 Aug (165km)
