The second stage of the World Ports Classic had a hectic final. In the last kilometer André Greipel was hindered. The German champion could just avoid crashing. Greg Henderson took over the job to sprint. He became third.

The peloton stayed together until the intermediate sprint after 15.5 kilometers. Alexander Porsev and Theo Bos took some bonification seconds and moved up to two and three seconds of GC leader André Greipel.

 

Afterwards a break of five was formed. The front group got a maximal lead of about four minutes. Together with Belkin and Katusha, Lotto Belisol kept the leaders within reach. At eight kilometers from the finish all escapees were reeled in.

 

In the last kilometer the preparation for the bunch sprint got messed up. After a collision with another rider Greipel could just stay on his bike, but his chances to win were gone. Some other riders did crash in the final kilometer.

 

Greg Henderson sprinted to third. Ramon Sinkeldam was the fastest, ahead of Theo Bos. The latter is the overall winner. Henderson is fourth in GC, Greipel seventh.

 

"Yesterday all went according to plan and we took the victory," sports director Herman Frison said. "Today the same scenario seemed to happen. We were heading for a bunch sprint, but with 800 meters to go André Greipel was hindered and he could just avoid crashing. Otherwise he could have won the stage and overall classification.

 

"It's a pity this opportunity was taken away from him, but it's more important that André could stay on his bike. The guys did a perfect lead-out yesterday, so we can make a positive balance and go to the Belgium Tour with a good feeling. That race starts on Wednesday."