Paris-Nice stage 2 LIVE: Biniam Girmay and yellow jersey Luke Lamperti among the contenders for likely bunch sprint

Paris-Nice Stage 2 saw Arvid de Kleijn of Tudor Pro Cycling claim a surprising victory in a chaotic bunch sprint in Montargis. The Dutchman edged out Laurence Pithie (Groupama-FDJ) and Gerben Thijssen (Intermarché-Wanty) after a 187km stage from Epône. Race leader Luke Lamperti (Soudal-QuickStep) successfully defended his yellow jersey, finishing safely within the peloton, while pre-stage favourite Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty) was notably absent from the top placings.

This outcome significantly reshapes the sprint hierarchy for the "Race to the Sun." De Kleijn's win marks a major breakthrough for both himself and the Tudor Pro Cycling team, a ProTeam outfit, against WorldTour stalwarts. The absence of a dominant Girmay, coupled with Lamperti's continued GC aspirations, suggests a more open field for the remaining flat stages, providing opportunities for riders who might otherwise be overshadowed by established names.

De Kleijn's victory is a timely reminder that even in a race often dominated by GC contenders, the sprinters' stages can still deliver genuine upsets and highlight emerging talent.