The Tour de France continues with stage two, a challenging route along the Mediterranean coast that culminates in multiple ascents of Montjuic hill in Barcelona.
Riders will face a 1.6-kilometer climb with a 9.3% gradient, repeated three times in the final 25 kilometers before finishing at the Olympic Stadium.
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Key Contenders and Tactics
Tadej Pogacar, wearing the King of the Mountains jersey, is expected to launch explosive attacks on the steep slopes.
His main rival, Jonas Vingegaard, currently leads the race after Visma-Lease a Bike's team time trial victory.
The terrain favors puncheurs like Mathieu van der Poel and Tom Pidcock, who are strong contenders for the stage win.
Vingegaard is likely to shadow Pogacar closely throughout the hills.
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The stage could end in a small group sprint among top riders or a slightly larger select group of sturdy cyclists.
Fast finishers may struggle to stay in contention under pressure from the defending champion.
Scorching temperatures approaching 35 degrees Celsius are expected, but massive crowds are anticipated along the final hill in Barcelona.
Safety remains a priority after crashes during the opening team time trial.
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The stage rolls out at 12:45 PM BST, with an estimated finish around 4:36 PM.
