Nibali lays down early marker by winning stage two of Tour de France in Yorkshire

By Nick Butler

Italy's Vincenzo Nibali laid down a marker to his yellow jersey rivals by winning a thrilling second stage of the Tour de France today, after British star Mark Cavendish was unable to start the day following a crash yesterday.

In front of frantic home support over the 124.9 miles from York to Sheffield, the pace built in the hilly final section as a group of 21 riders, including most of the overall contenders, broke clear.

But although the group also contained notable sprinters including the runner-up in yesterday's opening stage, Peter Sagen of Slovakia, it was Nibali who took everyone by surprise by opening up a winning gap with around two kilometres remaining.

The Astana rider, third behind Team Sky duo Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome at the 2012 Tour before winning the Giro d'Italia title in 2013, eventually won by two seconds from Belgium's Greg van Avermaet, with Michal Kwiatkowski of Poland third and Sagen fourth,

Vincenzo Nibali timed his breakaway to perfection to win stage two of the Tour de France
©Getty Images

The group finishing two seconds adrift also included other overall contenders, including Spain's two-time former winner Alberto Contador in 13th and defending champion Chris Froome in 19th, although Froome did lay down a small psychological marker by reaching the top of the final climb of the day, Jenkin Road in Sheffield, ahead of his rivals.

With Germany's stage one winner Marcel Kittel finishing 20 minutes adrift, Nibali was rewarded with the yellow jersey as well as the stage win, although the Italian insists he remains focus on maintaining his level over three weeks more than anything else.

"My main goal is to get a good result at the end of the Tour de France," said the 29-year-old, who has now led all three Grand Tours.

"I don't want to lose my head but I'm delighted to get the yellow jersey after having won the red jersey at the Vuelta a Espana and the pink jersey at the Giro d'Italia.

"This victory is important for me, the team and Italy."

Stage two marked the first test for overall contenders Chris Froome (left), Tejay van Garderen, Vincenzo Nibali and Alberto Contador ©Getty Images

The day could not have begun in worst fashion for the home fans due to the fact, as expected, the 25-time Tour de France stage winner was ruled out of the race with a dislocated collarbone following a crash in the final metres of stage one.

But this did not put off the vocal home support, with over 100,000 spectators lining the streets of York, and around 60,000 spectators on the highest climb of the day on Holme Moss.

"It was really tough racing and the crowds were just incredible - I had goosebumps going up Holme Moss," said Froome, who received much of the local support.

"It was all about staying out of trouble and avoiding any major issues or big splits."

Sir Rodney Walker, chair of TdFHUB2014 Ltd, organisers of the opening two stages, added that "the passion of the crowds in Yorkshire has really made this a weekend to remember".

"There has been a huge amount of planning and hard work from all the partners involved to ensure the first two stages were a success.

"We have once again showcased how the UK can deliver amazing events and a world-wide audience has seen the best of Yorkshire, and the best of the UK.

"I have no doubts the benefits of hosting the Tour de France in the UK will be felt both in the short and long term."

Tomorrow will see a third and final stage in Great Britain as the peloton winds its way over the 96.3 miles from Cambridge to London, in a stage set to favour the sprinters rather than the overall contenders.