July 17, 2013 (Rouyn-Noranda, QC) – This second stage of the Tour de l’Abitibi Desjardins was marked by several attempts at breakaways between La Sarre and Rouyn-Noranda. From the start, a few cyclists from the American team, who finished in third place yesterday, tried to forge ahead by breaking away from the pack. After one hour, they finally succeeded in keeping the lead, to ultimately be caught at their arrival in town. In the end, Emmanuel Gagné, from team Quebec, won the first place. Although he flew under the radar during most of the second stage, he finished seconds before the brown jersey and winner of the first stage, Hendrik Pineda. Australian Owen Gillott from team Racers Against Childhood Cancer finished not far behind, earning himself the third place.

As for the racers from the Morrocan and Columbian teams, they surprised many by leading several breakaways and finishing amongst the first twenty five. Besides, the Columbian cyclist Steven Calderon Acero won the jersey for best climber, which was won by his teammate, Jorge Ivan Gomez, yesterday. Needless to say the windy urban circuit was beneficial for both nations, who took advantage of arriving in town to get back in the lead of the pack.

A Persevering Athlete

Despite a rough start, the remaining cyclist from the Germany-Brunei team fought hard in this second stage, to ultimately finish in twenty-second position. Alexander Höfner had a difficult first race, being the only member of his team to finish the stage, with two teammates dropping out within the first few minutes of the race. Höfner therefore had to work individually during the whole second stage, in addition to already feeling under the weather.

Two Half-stages Tomorrow

The Individual Time Trial, whose goal is to get the best time on a short distance, will be held tomorrow. The ride itself will be around a lake with tight turns, for a total of 9.6 kilometers. Later in the day, the cyclists will travel to Malartic to perform a short stage of 52.5 kilometers, with reappearance in the same town for the finish, expected at 7:25 p.m. in front of the Culture and Recreation Center.

Results (brief)

1. Emmanuel Gagné (Can) Team Québec  2:21:31
2. Hendrik Pineda (Can) Team Canada
3. Owen Gillott (Aus) Racers Against Childhood Cancer
4. Edgar Adolfo Tique Avila (Col) Colombie-Fundación Everet
5. Austin Vincent (USA) CF Racing
6. Peter Goguen (USA) CF Racing
7. Vincent Désilets-Jacob (Can) Espoirs Quilicot TRJ Télécom
8. Nathan Rico (USA) USA Select C
9. Nolan Tankersley (USA) USA Select A
10. Seth Veenbaas (USA) USA Select A

Full results HERE.