The second stage of the 2024 Tour de Normandie witnessed Sandra Alonso’s stunning triumph and also plenty of falls within the peloton. Alonso, representing Ceratizit WNT, emerged victorious in Pavilly, few would’ve tipped her at the start of the day but a well-timed attack saw her clear with an effort she held to the finish. Her last triumph dated back to May 2021 at the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana whilst riding for Sopela.
Alonso’s victory came through a well-executed strategy, teaming up with Finnish rider Anniina Ahtosalo. The duo, aged 25 and 20 respectively, broke away from the peloton in the last 13 kilometres, and the duo worked very well together in their efforts. Their collaboration and determination propelled them ahead, outpacing their competitors as they approached the finish line.
Initially, victory seemed within Ahtosalo’s grasp, as she led the charge towards the finish. However, Alonso unleashed a decisive surge in the closing metres, propelling herself to the front with a strong attack. Crossing the finish line with her head in her hands, Alonso’s disbelief at her own accomplishment was palpable, marking a significant moment in her cycling career.
Unfortunately for Ahtosalo she was just caught by the very front of the peloton and finished 4th. Behind Alonso, Dutch rider Thalita De Jong and Italian Maria Giulia Confalonieri clinched second and third place on the podium, respectively.
French cyclist Gladys Verhulst-Wild, representing FDJ-Suez, secured a commendable fifth place, marking her as the top Frenchwoman in the race. Despite narrowly missing out on the podium, Verhulst-Wild’s performance showcased her determination and skill on what are her local roads in Normandy. Reflecting on the stage, Verhulst-Wild expressed disappointment at missing out on the victory she had hoped for. Despite her fifth-place finish, she remained determined to bounce back in subsequent stages.
In the GC battle, Marion Borras dropped well back from her 4th position at the start of today. Bonus seconds have seen Thalita de Jong jump from 9th to 5th today. Lieke Nooijen also closed in slightly, making her 24-second gap to Van Dijk down to 21 seconds. That puts her only 2 seconds behind team leader Riejanne Markus in 2nd place.
As the Tour de Normandie progresses, the competition intensifies, with riders navigating challenging terrains and unforeseen obstacles. Stay tuned for more updates as the cyclists continue their journey through the picturesque landscapes of Normandy.
2024 Tour de Normandie Feminin Stage 2 result
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