Bert De Backer was caught back ultimately while soloing into the final km as a bunch sprint was inevitable on stage 2 of the Tour de Yorkshire. Ramon Sinkeldam strongly sprinted to a third place, completing a nice day for Team Giant-Alpecin.

De Backer was part of a large group of sixteen riders that made the early break. Crosswinds broke up the group and eight riders were able to continue in the front.

With 30km to go, De Backer and McNally (Madison Genesis) escaped from the break and left the others behind. Into the final 10km, De Backer felt really strong and tried it all alone, unfortunately too many team were interested in a bunch sprint as he got caught in the final km.

Massive crowds gathered in York to see a bunch sprint that was won by Moreno Hofland (Team Lotto-Jumbo NL), ahead of Matteo Pelucchi (IAM Cycling) and Ramon Sinkeldam. Lars van der Haar, Lawson Craddock, and Tom Stamsnijder did a strong lead-out.

After the stage a satisfied Sinkeldam reflected on his day: “I am happy with this result. Compared to yesterday, we had a nice and relaxed day in the bunch. At first, I panicked a little when I saw that my lead-out man, Bert was in the break and as the stage developed we had good hopes that he would make it to the finish.

“During the sprint I was a little nervous about my timing in relation to the strong crosswind at the finish line. Because I just come from a short rest break, I don’t have the extra punch in my legs, so I had to time my sprint with extra care today. Fortunately, Lars, Tom and Lawson did a very good job to keep me in the front, in that way I was able to pick the wheel of Hofland.”

Coach Marc Reef added: “According to our plan we had someone in the breakaway with Bert today. With not many efforts done he came in the finale and had the energy to try it alone into the final 10km. During the stage, our faith in a good result with Bert increased, especially because on courses with local laps the bunch normally does not run into a breakaway so fast and today the wind direction was favorable as well.

“Unfortunately, the bunch accelerated faster than expected and Bert was caught back just before the finish. Fortunately, we had a second plan A with Ramon and he sprinted to an excellent third place. After all we are very happy with this result.”