Team Bahrain Victorious rider Rainer Kepplinger put in a strong performance to finish second yesterday on stage two of the AlUla Tour.
The 130.6-kilometre leg began in AlUla Old Town and concluded at Bir Jaydan Mountain Wirkkah.
The stage was shortened by 27 km due to a dangerous gravel section on the descent, resulting in a neutralised segment of the race. This brief pause allowed riders to catch their breath and recharge for the final six km of racing.
The team worked hard to keep Kepplinger safe in the reduced peloton, positioning him well for the finale. He had the legs to fend off Eddie Dunbar but couldn’t quite match the stage winner Tom Pidcock.
“I’m super happy,” said Kepplinger, who is also currently second on the general classification after two stages. “I felt great before the race, and finishing second confirms that.
“It’s a big confidence boost heading into Friday’s Queen Stage, and now I start in second place overall.”
Bahrain Victorious lead sports director Aart Vierhouten was pleased with the outcome and shared his insights on the finish. “Today was a climbing stage, but I was a bit surprised that we had to do one lap less—27km shorter, including the final climb,” he said. “But safety comes first, and the organisers made the right decision given the road conditions. We had to adapt, and we did it very well.
“The team stuck to the plan – positioning Rainer in the best possible spot for the final three km. Everyone worked hard throughout the stage, especially in the crucial final part.
“The speed was high, and only about 25 riders remained in the front group. We knew Rainer was in good shape, but we also respected the strength of the other contenders.”
Amongst the team’s other riders yesterday, Max van der Meulen was 15th, Oliver Stockwell came 29th, Nicolo Buratti was 36th, Andrea Pasqualon was 63rd, Alberto Bruttomesso came 74th, and Zak Erzen finished 97th.
Stage three today is long and flat, covering 180.6km.
Top stories for today:
CONDOLENCES: Bahrain leaders pay tribute to late Saudi Prince
New law a massive boost for Future Generation Fund
Trainee lawyer loses appeal over outburst against verdict
&uuid=(email))