Phil Bauhaus seemed to have recovered well after his crash yesterday and he just missed a podium finish in the second stage of the Tour of Picardie. The young German sprinter from BORA – ARGON 18 was only defeated by the winner Andrea Guardini (Astana), Kris Boeckmans (Lotto-Soudal) and Bryan Coquard (Europcar).

The team kept all options open until the finale. With Ralf Matzka a BORA – ARGON 18 rider was once again represented in the lead group. When the peloton had almost reeled in the escapees in the last two kilometers, Matzka launched a counter attack and it was only 700 meters from the line that the sprinters neutralized his effort.

"The whole team has worked very well today and with Ralf we were once again part of the break-away. After yesterday's crash and the ugly scenes that took place right after that, I find it remarkable that Phil has shown such a result. We came here with the clear objective to sprint once to the podium. If such a young rider has the courage to give it all in a bunch sprint after these incidents, then he earns very great respect. For me this equals a place on the podium", said sporting director Christian Pömer.