CYCLING – A day after his strong final sprint in the first stage of the Circuit des Ardennes, Elmar Reinders has lost his leading position in the general classification. Today the Assenaar finished in the stage from Bazeilles to Sedan well behind winner Michael Kurkle from the Czech Republic.
In the mountainous second stage, which was shortened from over 130 to about 90 kilometers due to the severe weather conditions (lots of wind and rain), Reinders lost nine minutes to the winner.
As a result, De Drent lost his leader’s jersey, although it will remain within the Riwal team. Reinders teammate Lucas Eriksson (Sweden) is the new classification leader.
Reinders shared first in points classification
Reinders is still joint first in the points classification, although Kurkle – as the winner of the second stage – will wear the green jersey tomorrow.
Tomorrow the third stage will be from Sedan to Margut/Mont Saint-Walfroy over a distance of 163 kilometers and Saturday will be the last stage with start and finish in Charleville-Mézières (173 kilometers).