Second stage of Lloyds Tour of Britain thrills spectators

Cycling fans turned out in their numbers in Stowmarket today (Wednesday, September 3) to see the start and finish of the second stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain.

It set off from outside the Willow Tree pub and Regal Theatre, in Ipswich Road, with the riders having to cross the finish line at the same location.

There were also many on the route, which went across the Mid Suffolk and Babergh districts, despite the heavy rain showers which punctuated the ride.

It all ended with Dutch rider Olav Kooij sealing back-to-back victories by winning a sprint finish.

The Team Visma-Lease a Bike rider went round the outside of Great Britain’s Sam Watson on the final corner on the way to winning the 174.06km stage in wet weather.

Watson finished third as Tom Crabbe, of Belgium, beat him to second spot.

Kooij retained the leader’s green jersey and extended his general classification lead to 14 seconds.

Crabbe, of Team Flanders-Baloise, moved into second place, while Ineos Grenadiers’ Watson is 16 seconds behind the leader in third.

Potential stormy weather and high winds greeted the riders for the start of the stage

This was Kooij’s sixth stage victory on the Lloyds Tour of Britain overall, and also meant he extended his lead in the points classification with a difference to 28 points to second placed Crabbe, who now leads the Youth Classification.