"My wrist is now a bit sore, but it’s better every day" reassures Tadej Pogacar

Tadej Pogacar took another seven seconds at his rival Jonas Vingegaard thanks to bonifications in stage 2 which means Pogacar brings important 11 seconds of advantage from Basque Country.

"The plan was to go for the bonus seconds and win the stage. We didn’t win, but it’s still a good day – except for Matteo Trentin’s crash, I hope he is well. Now I expect that we will take it easier over the next two days," Pogacar told organisers in an interview after the stage.

The UAE Team Emirates rider also confirmed that his wrist is still not 100% healed, but assured that it won't limit him in remainder of the race.

"We are in a perfect situation right now. After yesterday’s stage, what we had to do today was quite clear: defend the jersey, and take some more seconds on our rivals. My wrist is now a bit sore after all the sprinting today, but it’s better every day. Today’s stage was a bit bumpy and technical, with many speed bumps, corners and potholes. Even if it’s a bit sore now, it feels better every day, so no problem."