Charmig Wins Tour of the Alps Stage; Favorites Conserve Energy

Danish cyclist Anthon Charmig secured victory in the second stage of the Tour of the Alps, a race formerly known as the Critérium du Dauphiné. The 234.3 km route from Saint Martin le Vinoux to Le Puy en Velayu saw Charmig emerge as the strongest from an early breakaway group.

While Charmig celebrated his second professional career win, the general classification favorites finished more than three minutes behind. The stage included 3,700 meters of climbing, but no significant gaps formed among the top contenders. All eyes in France are on young Paul Seixas, considered the primary favorite for the overall win.

Alex Baudin of EF Education EasyPost retained the leader's yellow jersey after winning the opening stage from a breakaway. He holds a 32-second lead over Ramses Debruyne and Kevin Vermaerke. This year's race does not feature bonus seconds. Slovenian riders Gal Glivar, Matej Mohorič, and Matevž Govekar were not prominent in the longest stage. Glivar attempted an early breakaway but was later absorbed by the peloton, finishing 32nd. Mohorič finished in the main group, while Govekar was further back.

The race continues with a team time trial on Tuesday, a 28.4 km course in Perreux that will also serve as a test for the opening stage of the Tour de France. Times will be recorded individually for each rider.

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