Matthew Brennan has taken another victory at the Flèche du Sud. The Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider won the second stage of the Luxembourg race, securing back-to-back successes.
The stage was once again aggressive from the start, with multiple attacks shaping the early phase. Eventually, a breakaway of four riders managed to go clear, but Team Visma | Lease a Bike kept the situation firmly under control throughout the day. The escapees were never allowed more than two minutes, allowing the peloton to manage the race heading into the finale.
In the closing kilometres, the team worked perfectly to close down the break and deliver Matthew Brennan into an ideal position for the sprint. The British rider then made the difference in a tightly contested finish, coming out on top in the final metres to seal his second win of the week.
After the finish, Matthew Brennan praised his teammates: “Good work from the team, the lead-out was perfect. With one rider still attacking, the team was there to deliver me in the right position and I was able to come over the top at the very last moment. This double win is good for confidence, very happy to finish it off.”
There was also positive news for Tijmen Graat, who crashed in the opening stage. After medical checks by the team doctor and physiotherapist, no lasting issues were found. He completed the second stage without problems and resumed his role within the team.
Sports director Gaëtan Pons was pleased with the performance of the younger riders, highlighting their control of the early breakaway as a key factor in the stage outcome.
With this second consecutive victory, Matthew Brennan strengthens his lead in the general classification and also retains the points, mountains, and young rider classifications.
The next stage of the Flèche du Sud will be the hardest of the race, covering around 156 kilometres with significant elevation gain. It is not expected to suit the sprinters, with climbers and puncheurs likely to play a key role in the fight for victory.
(SOURCE, PHOTO: Press Office Team Visma | Lease a Bike)
