March 26, 2003 – Today's stage had a few tough climbs, but with a finish that was 25k after the last climb, there was still a small bunch duking it out for a final sprint. Switzerland's Beat Zberg (Rabobank) took the win over Antonio Flecha (iBanesto.com.) Pedal caught up with Canada's Michael Barry (US Postal) for a play-by-play of the race.

Pedal: Michael – how was it today? How are you feeling with that ear infection?

Barry: The race was OK. From the start I was to keep Lance out of the wind and as fresh as possible for the climbs and also the days to come. This has been my jpb for the last few days. Going into the final climbs of the day I took it easy and rode in with the groupetto. Eki is riding well and was up there again in the group sprint. Today we should be faced with another field sprint as the stage is pretty much flat other than one diffucult climb just ouside of Girona. Tomorrow will be a showdown with the climbers as the stage finishes with a mountain top.

Pedal: How did the race begin? Fast and furious?

Barry: The race started from the gun and the pace was fierce with attacks constantly going off the front. Nothing stayed away as most teams want to keep the race under control before Thursday's mountain top finish. There was a strong wind from the start until the finish, blowing of the sea, which made certain sections of the course a little more challenging. When the racing is fast and constant we have to remind ourselves to eat and drink because time can pass and before you know it a few hours have gone by, your legs begin to ache and you realize you haven't put any fuel in your system. The last two stages we have been way ahead of the fastest scheduled time for the race. The first stage we averaged 43km/h and the second 42km/h. Not bad considering the small roads, wind and hills.

Stage 2: 158.7 km

1. Beat Zberg (Swi) Rabobank 3.44.58
2. J.Antonio Flecha (Spa) iBanesto.com
3. Gonzalo Bayarri (Spa) Phonak Hearing Systems
4. Wladimir Belli (Ita) Lampre
5. Addy Engels (Ned) Rabobank
6. Carlos Torrent (Spa) Paternina-Costa de Almeria
7. Francisco Vila (Spa) Lampre
8. Joaquin Rodriguez (Spa) O.N.C.E.-Eroski
9. Iñigo Landaluze (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
10. Viatcheslav Ekimov (Rus) US Postal presented by Berry Floor