The 2nd stage of the Eneco Tour gave a second opportunity to the fast riders after the sprint in the opening stage.
On a completely flat course, the sprint teams controlled the breakaway of two riders (Van Hoeck and Asselman) and, once the attack had been neutralized, there was no more space for other attempts.
The final part of the course, with many traffic islands and roundabouts, forced the riders to stay near the front and this cost to much energy for Sacha Modolo who was unable to do his usual good sprint. Having been supported well by Maximilano Richeze, he was in good position 350 meters from the finish but the could not reach a peak of speed to get a top result. Modolo finished in 10th place.
Asselman is the new leader of the overall classification. All LAMPRE-MERIDA riders are 15 seconds behind.
"We have a good group of fast riders and in the race we can check their condition and decide who's going best. Today Ferrari did not feel good and then Modolo had to take his chance to do the sprint," sports director Daniele Righi said.
"The cooperation with Richeze is excellent and even today it worked out well. Unfortunately, we did not get a result that would have given value to our whole race."
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