LIVE. 2nd stage of the Étoile de Bessèges: the gap decreases sharply between the breakaway and the peloton, a stage to follow live

Paul Magnier est le premier leader de cette Etoile de Bessèges. Alexis Béthune – Midi Libre

Les coureurs partent de Domessargues ce jeudi 6 février. Midi Libre – ALEXIS BETHUNE

La deuxième étape de l’Étoile de Bessèges s’élance de Domessargues ce jeudi 6 février, et arrive à Marguerittes. Suivez la course en direct et commentée.

The Etoile riders are not done with the wind and the risk of echelons. This Thursday, they cover 165.8 km between Domessargues and Marguerittes. Four climbs are listed but should not have an impact on the finale in which a mass sprint is expected.

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14h09.

Simon best placed overall

In this five-man breakaway, Yohann Simon (St-Michel-Preference Home Auber 93) is best placed overall, with 38 seconds behind Paul Magnier. But the peloton is now only 2'35'' behind the breakaway with 88 kilometres still to go.

13h47.

The gap is decreasing at the head of the race

A hundred kilometres from the finish in Marguerittes, the gap between the peloton and the breakaways has decreased for several kilometres. After more than 60 kilometres of racing, the peloton is only 3'20'' behind the head.

13:44.

van Petegem consolidates his mountains jersey

After taking the lead on the first climb of the day, Axandre van Petegem repeated the feat at the top of the second climb of the day, to consolidate the best climber's jersey that he has on his shoulders.

13:19.

A five-rider breakaway at the front

After more than 40 kilometers of racing, five riders formed a breakaway at the front of the race, before a lead of just over four minutes on the peloton. They are Maël Guégan (CIC U Nantes), Victor Vercouillie (Flanders-Baloise), Yohann Simon (St-Michel-Preference-Home Auber 93), Louis Kitzki (Alpecin-Deuceninck) and Axandre van Petegem (Wagner Bazin WB).

11:56.

The route and times of the 2nd stage

Find out everything you need to know about the 2nd stage by clicking here.

11:54.

The ranking before the start of the 2nd stage

1. Paul Magnier (FRA/SQS); 2. Jordi Meeus (BEL) at 4”; 3. Marijn Van Den Berg (NED) at 6”; 4. Maxim Van Gils (BEL) at 10”; 5. Timo Kielich (BEL) mt; 6. Sandy Dujardin (FRA) mt … 9. Axel Laurance (FRA/INE) at 12”…

11:48.

Can Paul Magnier keep his coral leader's jersey ?

Superb winner at Bellegarde on Wednesday evening ahead of Jordi Meeus and Marijn Van Den Berg, the Frenchman Paul Magnier (20 years old, Soudal-Quickstep) can keep his coral leader's jersey if he manages not to lose time in the finish. His speed qualities and his current form could even suggest that he could play for the win. To be continued.

11:46.

Meet at 12:10 for the start!

The fictitious start of the race is expected at 12:10, and the real one at 12:15. The sprinters will have their say this Thursday ? Arnaud Démare, Mads Pedersen, Sam Bennett and Arnaud De Lie have targeted this finish.