PREVIEW | Tour of Guangxi 2023 stage 2 - Elia Viviani fights to keep race lead against pack of hungry sprinters

Preview. After taking the win on the opening stage, Elia Viviani will lead the race into stage 2. The second day of racing at the Tour of Guangxi will be another opportunity for the pure sprinters.

600 meters of climbing on day 2 of racing. It is a different day that moves from city to city, but it does again feature three laps that should lead to a bunch sprint. This time in Qinzhou, it will be another urban flat sprint.

The Weather

The breeze from the northeast could spark echelons if it were stronger but it will not be strong enough for that. A fast and short day of racing ahead and a slight tailwind sprint.

The Favourites

Elia Viviani - The Italian struck out today, he was in the right place at the right time behind Milan, however he packed his own very explosive sprint. Motivated, with the leader's jersey, and with a leadout that was quite good from INEOS Grenadiers, the Italian could surely ride for win number 2 of the week in his best remaining opportunity.

Jonathan Milan - On the opposite side is Milan himself. Bahrain did a good job today but couldn't support him until the final sprint. He rode around the wheels and then launched very early. He finished second which was impressive taking into consideration his bad timing, he is definitely having the speed to take the victory and the race lead will also be in mind.

However each sprint will be different. When it comes to speed and timing many riders can get it right and take the victory. Sam Bennett has showed good speed today and if he is to win this week, most likely it will be tomorrow as it'll lack the climbs. Olav Kooij rode to fifth, not having an ideal run-up to the line, and is in my eyes the other big favourite to win the stage.

A lot of what is to happen can't be predicted however. Tactics on the spot will be crucial for all sprinters. Hence I can only foresee which sprinters should also be in the mix: Arnaud de Lie and Arvid de Kleijn as also possible victory contenders; outsiders in Jakub Mareczko, Lionel Taminiaux, Max Walscheid, Jon Aberasturi, Max Kanter, Tobias Lund Andresen, Marijn van den Berg, Juan Sebastián Molano and Itamar Einhorn.

Prediction Tour of Guangxi 2023 stage 2:

*** Jonathan Milan, Olav Kooij
** Elia Viviani, Sam Bennett
* Arvid de Kleijn, Arnaud de Lie, Lionel Taminiaux, Max Walscheid, Juan Sebastián Molano

Pick: Jonathan Milan

Preview written by Rúben Silva.