The 2024 Gree-Tour of Guangxi continued its thrilling journey through southern China, delivering yet another exciting stage on October 16th. The young rider Val Van Groeuwe of the Soudal Quick-Step team claimed his first-ever WorldTour stage victory, as he powered through the final sprint to win the second stage from Chongzuo to Jingxi. Covering 181.5 kilometers, the stage featured a mix of sprint points and climbs, adding to the intensity of the competition.

Stage 2 Breakdown: From Chongzuo to Jingxi

The second stage was a classic one-day race, starting from the city of Chongzuo and finishing in Jingxi’s Jinxiu Ancient Town. The stage included two intermediate sprints and two Category 3 climbs, offering opportunities for sprinters and climbers alike to shine. The route, while scenic, proved to be challenging with technical turns and undulating terrain.

The stage was fiercely competitive from the start, with breakaway attempts throughout as riders sought to earn time bonuses and points for the King of the Mountains classification. Early on, several riders tried to establish a lead, aiming for the polka-dot jersey awarded to the best climber of the day. Others aimed for the blue sprinter's jersey, making for a tactical race full of action.

Van Groeuwe's Triumph: A Decisive Sprint Finish

In the final kilometers, several teams began to position their sprinters for the dash to the line. Val Van Groeuwe, originally leading out his teammate Luca Lampetti, found himself in a crucial moment. As the peloton approached the last 500 meters, Lampetti was blocked by other riders, leaving Van Groeuwe no choice but to launch his own attack. He surged ahead, displaying remarkable speed and determination, and crossed the finish line in 3 hours, 49 minutes, and 29 seconds. His first WorldTour stage win came with an impressive show of tactical awareness and physical prowess.

Reflecting on his victory, Van Groeuwe said:
"I was supposed to be the lead-out man for my teammate, but in the last 500 meters, I saw that he was blocked. I made the decision to go for it, and I’m thrilled with the result."
This win marked a significant milestone in Van Groeuwe's young career and was a perfect start for him and his team in this prestigious race.

Max Kanter in Red: The New General Classification Leader

Despite finishing second in the stage, Max Kanter of Astana Qazaqstan Team had plenty to celebrate. His consistent performance throughout the race, combined with time bonuses earned during the intermediate sprints, helped him claim the red leader's jersey, signifying his top position in the overall classification. Kanter also secured the blue sprinter’s jersey, reflecting his dominance in the fast-paced sections of the stage.

"It’s my first time wearing the overall leader’s jersey in a professional race," said Kanter after the stage. "I’m looking forward to the next stages, and I hope to win a stage in the coming days."

Other Key Jerseys:

• Best Young Rider: The white jersey, awarded to the best young rider, was claimed by Philipp Maciejuk from Red Bull Bora. Maciejuk has shown consistency and resilience throughout the race, making him a standout among the younger cyclists.
• King of the Mountains: The polka-dot jersey for the best climber went to Dries De Bondt from Decathlon AG2R. De Bondt displayed an aggressive attacking style, repeatedly joining breakaways and securing crucial points on the climbs. His outstanding efforts also earned him the Combative Award for the stage.

What’s Next: Stage 3 from Jingxi to Bama

The third stage of the 2024 Gree-Tour of Guangxi will take place on October 17th, taking riders from Jingxi to Bama. Covering a grueling 214 kilometers, it will be the longest stage of this year’s tour. Known for its difficult terrain and extended climbing sections, this stage will further test the riders’ endurance and tactical skills. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see if Max Kanter can maintain his red jersey or if another contender will emerge victorious.

The combination of fast sprints, challenging climbs, and breathtaking landscapes is making the 2024 Tour of Guangxi an unmissable event in the cycling calendar, attracting top riders from around the globe and offering fans a unique glimpse into the beauty and cultural richness of Guangxi, China.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the 2024 Tour of Guangxi unfolds, and follow the exciting battles between the world’s best cyclists as they race across the spectacular southern Chinese countryside!