17/05/2023

Romain Gregoire claims victory in frantic finale to stage 2 of the 4 Jours de Dunkerque

Romain Gregoire punched his way to victory on stage two of the 4 Jours de Dunkerque in a frantic finale on a final climb up to the line.

Stage 2 was expected be a day for the puncheurs, and some sprinters who have sharp climbing legs. The finale in Laon will be very explosive, featuring a 9% ramp for 600 meters just 5.5 kilometres away from the finish. The last 1.9 kilometres average 4%, making it a slight uphill finale which has the potential to be very open.

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Hoping it could be a day for a breakaway surprise was a six-rider group. Best placed of the breakaway riders after stage 1 was Samuel Leroux (Van Rysel - Roubaix Lille Métropole) at 7 seconds off the race lead.

With 20km to go, the time gap was just 53 seconds between peloton and breakaway meaning another second consecutive bunch finish was likely.

In a frenzied finale, the three remaining leaders reached the final kick up to the line with an advantage of just 5 seconds.

Victor Lafay made a dig, riding clear of the peloton and catching the leaders. As he took a moment to catch his breath though a raging peloton came flying past.

It was Romain Grégoire of Groupama - FDJ who won the subsequent punch to the line ahead of Ethan Vernon and Benoît Cosnefroy.