The 191.7-kilometer stage two at the Vuelta a Andalucía was supposed to be an uneventful transition stage ahead of two decisive climbing days, but in bike racing a humdrum day for all is rare.

Unfortunately, it was Trek Factory Racing that experienced unwelcomed stress in the final kilometers when Bob Jungels - who moments earlier looked comfortable climbing in the front positions over the category three-rated Alto de la Primera Crux - punctured on the descent just as the race reached its crescendo.

Despite aid from teammate Jesse Sergent, who led the furious chase until he blew, the pursuit was futile as ahead the peloton was at full speed bearing for the finish less than nine kilometers away.

“Bob had a flat tire on the descent and because of the peloton splitting on the climb the team cars were not immediately there,” explained director Josu Larrazabal. “So by the time he had a new wheel he had lost a lot of time; Jesse Sergent helped him chase full gas, and then Bob chased on his own to get back, but it was impossible. We have to wait for the full results to see the time he lost; we hope that it is not more than a minute.”

Later the official results revealed that Bob Jungels lost 46 seconds and plunged from second overall to 17th.  Bauke Mollema finished safely in the peloton, but after his unfortunate 40-second loss in yesterday’s first stage, he resides in 21st place (+1’05”).

Adversity is all part of the game and Larrazabal was still upbeat for the next two days where the general classification will likely be sorted with back-to-back summit finishes.

“We have two hard stages ahead, and we will be ready,” added Larrazabal. “We lostFränk [Schleck] in the crash yesterday and he will be missed in the climbs, but Haimar [Zubeldia] and the rest of the team are ready to work hard in the next days. It’s unfortunate to lose time before these stages, but nothing changes – tomorrow it’s all about Bob and Bauke.”