Trek Factory Racing survived another day in the Tour Mediteraneen yesterday when they had five of their riders finish in the same time as winner John Degenkolb in the tricky second stage. The team is now looking to strike with its GC riders Bob Jungels and Riccardo Zoidl in the time trial.

The 170.6-kilometer second stage at the Tour Méditerranéen included three significant climbs with the hardest ascent, the col de Petite Galibier, coming with only 25-kilometers remaining.  It was enough to unseat the two-rider breakaway, and separate the peloton into a front group of 60 riders, but did little to stop the German powerhouse sprinter John Degenkolb (Giant Shimano) who claimed his second win in two days.

For the Trek Factory Racing team, with its goal a high result in the general classification, it was a successful day despite sprinter Danny Van Poppel not having the legs to make it over the climbs with the front peloton. Fabio Felline was the highest finisher in 11th, and Bob Jungels in 13th, while Riccardo Zoidl, Laurent Didier and Matthew Busche also placed in the same time as race winner, and overall leader, Degenkolb.

“We are waiting for tomorrow with the time trial,” said sport director Alain Gallopin. “It is the last two stages that are the most important and the expectation is for Bob [Jungels] and Riccardo [Zoidl] to go for the GC. They both have a good TT and they are good in the climb. They are considered some of the favorites for the race. We are not the only ones, there is also Sylvain Chavanel and Jean-Cristopeh Peraud, but we are hopeful to do well in the overall.”

Today will boast a double race day with a short 63-kilometer morning stage, followed by the first test for the GC contenders, a 18.2-kilometer time trial in the afternoon.