Kasia Niewiadoma was able to keep the green leader’s jersey in the OVO Energy Women’s Tour after the 2nd stage. Despite a series of attacks on a challenging course, she passed the test with flying colours, finishing 5the in Stoke-on-Trent right after Marianne Vos who was 4th. The stage victory went to Amy Pieters.

The 2nd stage to Stoke-on-Trent (144 kilometres) had a tough profile with variations in altitude. WM3 Pro Cycling controlled the race during the rainy onset. “We knew it would be difficult to control the 2nd part of the race”, says DS Jeroen Blijlevens. “We wanted to keep the bunch together for as long as possible.”

Different riders tried to get away, but none of them could create a sufficient gap.  Anna Trevisi was one of the first ones to make some sort of a lead. Alison Jackson joined soon after. Under the impulse of WM3 Pro Cycling and Boels-Dolmans, the 2 leaders got caught after 85 kilometres in the race.

Fireworks
Shortly before the 2nd sprint in Cheadl, a leading group with 6 riders was formed, including Anna Plichta. Although their lead steadily increased, Lucinda Brand attacked on the climb of Ipstones. Trixi Worrack and Christine Majerus were in pursuit, but, as Anna, were eventually caught by the peloton.

The climb in Ipstones ensured the anticipated fireworks as the peloton split and several riders got into trouble. Kasia was able to follow the steady pace.  She reached the summit as 5th and was also in a front position in the next climb. “Kasia showed again today that she is in excellent shape”, according to Jeroen Blijlevens.

Brand, possibly inspired by Kasia’s impressive solo during the first stage, increased her lead. For a long time, it looked like she was on the way to victory.  However, with the finish line coming closer, the chasing group got better organised, including WM3 Pro Cycling. Brand was caught at 7 kilometres from the finish.

Still one and two
Amy Pieters claimed the victory following a sprint in an uphill finish. Marianne and Kasia crossed the line as 4th and 5th. “A very fine result, even though it was not obvious. It was a tricky stage to control”, says Jeroen Blijlevens. “There are not many changes at the top of the general classification. We are still at number one and two, but the group of riders within 2 minutes has decreased.”