Riders remained in Spain for the 209-kilometres stage, that started in Vitoria-Gasteiz, following the Grand Départ in Bilbao yesterday.

Frenchman Lafay powered to the finish with one kilometre remaining and managed to hold off a reduced bunch breathing down his neck to take victory in 4hrs 46min 39sec.

In doing so he maintained the tradition of French stage wins in San Sebastián after Louis Caput in 1949 and Dominique Arnould in 1992.

Cofidis had not won a stage on the Tour since Sylvain Chavanel prevailed in Montlucon in 2008.

Belgian Wout van Aert, riding for Team Jumbo-Visma took second while Slovenian Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates crossed the line moments later to complete up the podium.

Pogačar's UAE Emirates team-mate Adam Yates of Britain retained the yellow jersey as he maintained his general classification lead.

"I just went out there and did everything I could," said Lafay afterwards. 

"Yesterday I was a bit frustrated but to do things today, and realise I can do things at this level, be there at the end, that's amazing.

"It was a really hard pace today but as it got nearer the end I thought maybe I could make it.

"I knew there would be attacks towards the end and I thought either I can attack in the downhill and do something there.

"I just said to myself to go for it."

After two days in the mountainous Basque Country, the Tour is set to leave Spain tomorrow.

The third stage sees riders travel from Amorebieta-Etxano into the French city of Bayonne following a 193.5km route.

It is the first flat stage of this year's race and could give British veteran Mark Cavendish a chance to make history.

The 38-year-old is chasing a 35^th stage win which would give him the all-time record and pass Eddy Merckx of Belgium.