Wiebes scores a brace at Blackpool

There was no contest in the second stage of the Tour of Britain Women either: Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) repeated her success from the previous day, completing a double that already smacks of absolute domination in this British race.

The overall leader was quick to react, launching her sprint from a full 250 meters from the finish line. It was a move that was nearly impossible for her rivals to control, who found themselves chasing the ever-chasable Dutch phenomenon. At the finish line in Blackpool, Wiebes edged out Maggie Coles-Lyster (Human Powered Health) and Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal Team), completing a podium that speaks volumes about the quality of the sprinters in the race.

The stage win further consolidates Wiebes's lead in the overall standings, now 14 seconds ahead of stage three, which will run Friday from Mold to The Great Orme. For those who manage fantasy cycling teams, this is far from negligible: with such a solid lead and stellar form, the Dutchman is a serious contender to close out the overall standings, making his card even more valuable in the final days of the race.

Sprint Cycling archive photo