Ethan Vernon clinches stage 2 victory in the Ronde van Catalonië as Matthew Brennan narrowly misses during final sprint.
On March 25, 2025, the cycling world witnessed an electrifying finish during stage 2 of the Ronde van Catalonië, starting in Banyoles and ending in Figueres. Ethan Vernon of Israel - Premier Tech stunned spectators by taking victory in a dramatic sprint, while Matthew Brennan of Team Visma - Lease a Bike fought bravely but finished just short of reclaiming glory after his previous day's win.
Vernon's time of 4:16:16 not only sealed his stage victory but also established him as a formidable competitor in this round, while Brennan maintained the overall leader's yellow jersey with a cumulative time of 8:41:17 following his stellar performance over the first two days. Kaden Groves from Alpecin - Deceuninck finished just behind in third place, illustrating the intense competition among the peloton.
The day unfolded with an appealing blend of smooth and challenging terrains. The stage featured two notable climbs: the Coll Puig del Peni at kilometer 76.5, which stretches 4.8 km at an inclination of 5.0%, followed shortly by the more arduous Coll de Sant Pere de Rodes, garnering a 7.7 km climb at 6.4% at kilometer 96.5. As the racers approached the opportunities for col points, tactics and teamwork began to unfold among the leading teams.
Matthew Brennan kept his position in the race with a watchful eye over his competitors, utilizing teammates Steven Kruiswijk and Wilco Kelderman to navigate the frenetic pack. To fans' delight, the peloton surged through the flat stretches leading to Figueres, reaching eye-popping speeds of over 60 kilometers per hour.
In a turn of events, Diego Uriarte of Spain secured the prize for combativity, showcasing the relentless spirit during the run, while Danny van der Tuuk, who previously sported the mountain jersey, retained it after gathering crucial points on both climbs.
As the race neared its climax, Vernon made a decisive move that would etch his name in the stage's history. "Ethan Vernon is the somewhat surprising winner of the day! He goes around the outside on Groves and Laurance in the final bend and holds off the incoming Brennan just barely," documented a race commentator.
Despite Brennan's strategic positioning, his efforts transpired to be slightly late as the finish line approached. The last incline before the finish compounded the difficulty of positioning effectively for the crucial sprint, leading to an explosive finale as riders jockeyed for position amidst a surge of adrenaline.
In the overall standings, no significant time was lost for any of the top favorites. Juan Ayuso, Primož Roglič, and others remain within striking distance of Brennan, all situated just ten seconds behind the leader following two grueling days. Ayuso even showcased his sprinting prowess earlier in the race by snatching three precious bonus seconds during an intermediate sprint.
The second stage completed, and Vernon’s victory fueled excitement about the upcoming challenges still awaiting the cyclists, as they now look towards stage 3 scheduled for March 26, which will take them further through the breathtaking landscapes of Catalonia.
The audience anticipates similar suspense as more hills await, merging endurance with speed, likely gearing up for yet another riveting sprint that will test the limits of these talented riders. All eyes will watch Vernon, Brennan, and their rivals as they continue to battle it out in the following days of fierce competition.
