Australian champion Luke Plapp once again showed the world his talent on today’s second stage of the Tour of Romandie. Making a brave move in the final three kilometres of the stage, the 23-year-old successfully bridged across to a leading group, putting it all on the line to challenge for the victory, he eventually crossed the line in third place.
After cold and snowing conditions for the opening prologue and stage one, the riders enjoyed a day of sunshine for the 171km stage, which featured one main mountain pass, Les Mosses.
The race heated up over the main climb of the day and as the peloton heading towards the final, the breakaway still held on to a three-minute advantage. Briton Simon Yates launched a strong attack with just under three kilometres remaining, setting up teammate Plapp.
As the remaining breakaway riders still dangled ahead, Plapp launched a powerful move over the top and barreled towards the remaining leaders as the road headed north towards the finishing line.
Making the catch and with one kilometre remaining, Plapp continued to empty the tank, pushing the pace, with only two riders remaining tight on his wheel, but with the reduced peloton close behind.
After opening up the gap, Plapp then peeled off the front with 600m to go, taking a moments rest before opening up his sprint early with 300m remaining ahead of a tight hairpin bend.
In the end, the finish line proved to be a little too far away as the Australian was suddenly passed in the closing 200 metres and had to settle for third place on the day, but after a brave and gutsy ride.
The young 23-year-old now moves up to third place overall, 22 seconds adrift from the new race leader Nys ahead of tomorrow’s 15.1km individual time trial.
Luke Plapp – 3rd place
“It was a really beautiful day, the weather was amazing, it was nice to be in just a skinsuit during the race so that was really nice surprise which I enjoyed. The whole day was relatively solid because the breakaway had so much time. It was a bit of an interesting day to be honest, with the break, nobody knew which team was going to ride, there was a bit of a standoff. Then it was quite controlled and that last climb, I surprised myself to be honest. I didn’t expect that.
Simon did an amazing attack into the final that sort of softened everybody up, so I just tried to take my opportunity. I am happy with my shape, and we will see how tomorrow goes. TT is my favorite event in the world, I can’t wait, it is going to be a fun day for me.”
2024 Tour of Romandie – Stage 2 Results:
1. Thibau Nys 4:02:44
2. Andrea Vendrame ST
3. Luke Plapp (Team Jayco AlUla) +0:04
2024 Tour of Romandie – Stage 2 gc:
1. Thibau Nys 7:55:42
2. Andrea Vendrame +0:04
3. Luke Plapp (Team Jayco AlUla) +0:22
Photo: Sprint Cycling
Photo: Sprint Cycling
