Sarah Roy of Cofidis clinched the stage 2 win at the Bretagne Ladies Tour, triumphing in a thrilling sprint finish in Morlaix. The Australian rider was part of a decisive five-rider breakaway that emerged in the final 30 kilometres, holding off a fast-charging peloton to secure the victory.
The 138.2km stage, starting from Plouigneau and ending in Morlaix, featured a lumpy route with five shorter finishing circuits. Pauline Allin of Cynisca Cycling initially launched a long solo attack, later joined by chasers Amber Kraak, Evy Kuijpers, Michaela Drummond, Hannah Ludwig, and Valerie Demey. This breakaway was eventually caught, leading to a reshuffling of the lead group.
In the final three laps, the lead group solidified with Demey, Kuijpers, Roy, Sanne Cant, and Alessia Vigilia. Working cohesively, they built a one-minute advantage over the peloton. However, the gap dwindled to just 30 seconds inside the final eight kilometres.
Despite the narrowing margin, the five riders managed to fend off the pursuing pack. As they approached the finish, the breakaway began to strategise, each rider eyeing the sprint. Roy proved the strongest, crossing the line first, followed by Cant and Vigilia.
Grace Brown maintained her overall lead, having come into the stage with a 1:11 advantage over her teammate Vigilia. Brown finished 34th in the stage, 16 seconds behind Roy.
Marie Le Net, the best Breton rider, excelled in the time trial and continues to shine in the race. “The main objective this season for me is the Olympic Games this summer,” said Le Net. “But it’s important to do races like this, at home. It allows you to recharge your batteries mentally and to work. The sensations were good, it’s good preparation. Mentally, I’m on top. So full of motivation for the future.”
Le Net, 4th overall, sits 1:01 behind Brown, aiming to climb onto the podium during the final stage from Hénon to Plouaret.
2024 Bretagne Ladies Tour Stage 2 result
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