Bouhanni powers to second stage win on Dauphine

Frenchman Nacer Bouhanni, riding for Cofidis, turned in an explosive burst of power as he sprinted to victory in the second stage of the Criterium du Dauphine on Monday following a 173km ride from Le Bourget-du-Lac to Villars-les-Dombes.

British 25-year-old Peter Kennaugh, who won the opening stage, retains the leader's jersey after finishing with the pack.

Another Frenchman Samuel Dumoulin was second with Italian Sacha Modolo, a winner of two stages on the recent Giro d'Italia, claiming the final place on the podium.

"Im really happy for the Cofidis team, it was a great win and I'm very happy," said Bouhanni.

"The conditions were ideal, I really counted on my teammates who did a great job and I'm really super happy." he added.  

Kennaugh, who rides for the Sky team, led by former Tour de France champion Chris Froome, maintains a two second lead in the overall standings over Modolo and Bouhanni on a day suited for a sprint finish.

A three-man escape formed during the stage with Frenchmen Arnaud Courteille and Perrig Quemeneur as well as Daniel Teklehaimanot of Eritrea building up a lead of seven minutes before eventually being reeled in by the peloton with 3km to race.

In a bunch sprint for the line, Bouhanni negotiated his way through the pack of riders bidding for victory and sprinted clear for a well-deserved win.

The 24-year-old Bouhanni shot to fame in 2014 when he won three stages on the Giro d'Italia and won the points jersey.

Tuesday features a team time-trial over 24.5km between Roanne and Montagny with race set to finish on Sunday.
Source: AFP