Ladies Tour of Norway (st. 2)

Riejanne Markus (TJV) wins from another triumphant escape, with Aude joining the Dutchwoman until the last 20km. Annemiek, Sheyla Gutiérrez into first big group.

The breakaway again took the better from a fast-paced peloton with no real control during the 2021 Ladies Tour of Norway, with strong winds and rain taking its toll on the peloton on stage two, 145km between Askim and Mysen. Riejanne Markus (TJV) notched up the day’s victory as she left behind an early duo of escapees with Audrey Cordon Ragot (TJV) and compatriot Aude Biannic (Movistar Team).

The Brittany native jumped from the bunch with 90km remaining and, despite the peloton staying quite close to her at all times and never allowing the duo more than 2′ Aude kept the front of the race until the last 25km, when Markus went alone over a peloton reduced over the last few little slopes.

Annemiek van Vleuten (17th) and Sheyla Gutiérrez kept the Movistar Team well represented at the main group, which Barbara Guarischi was really close to keep up to into the final hills to contest the sprint. It will be a completely different story on Saturday, as the Telefónica-backed squad entirely focuses on Miek’s chances -the Olympic champion now 12th overall, with no time lost- on the crucial ascent to Norefjell, 10.5km at 6%.

Cover picture (c): Photo Gomez Sport / Anton Vos