Julian Alaphilippe powers to stylish victory on stage 2 of the Criterium du Dauphiné

Julian Alaphilippe has taken an emotional win on stage 2 of the Criterium du Dauphiné, sprinting to victory in some style on a final kick up to the line.

After a thrilling start to the Criterium du Dauphiné, stage 2 should provide another classics-like finale. It will be a hilly day with an uphill finish that is expected to be quite explosive.

Seven riders made the breakaway including Kenny Elissonde, Nans Peters, Pierre Latour, Victor Campenaerts and the King of the Mountains, Donavan Grondin. After taking enough points on the first two climbs to ensure another day in the jersey, Grondin dropped back into the peloton.

With the break never really being allowed off the leash, their lead was around 40 seconds with 50km still to ride.

Pierre Latour was the next to drop back to the peloton leaving just five riders out in front.

Despite a brave last-ditch effort from Campanaerts and Elissonde, the break was eventually all swept up by the peloton with 10km to go.

Immediately following the catch though, Tobias Bayer launched a counter-attack, quickly gaining around 20 seconds advantage.

With 5km to go that lead was still at 10 seconds with the Austrian dangling out the front like a carrot for the hungry peloton to chase. And with 4km to go Bayer was caught.

Into the final kilometre, it was Jumbo-Visma through Jonas Vingegaard on the front of the peloton with Christophe Laporte dreaming of a second successive stage win.

Julian Alaphilippe was the man though, powering his way to victory in some style ahead of Richard Carapaz. Brilliant to see the Soudal - Quick-Step return to winning ways.

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