Meaning, reeling in the breakaway in the finale, lead-out trains fighting for the perfect position, and a surge for the win by the fastest finishers in the world.
Mark Cavendish, who matched Eddy Merckx’s record of 34 Tour stage victories last year, could become the sole record holder by winning one more Tour de France stage. But he is not granted the opportunity this year. Team manager Patrick Lefevere admitted early in the season that he favours Fabio Jakobsen in La Grande Boucle. By winning three stages and the points classification at last year’s Vuelta, the Dutchman has made a glorious comeback after his life-threatening crash in 2020.
This Tour, Jakobsen celebrated his finest victory. He sprinted to victory in stage 2, outgunning Van Aert and Pedersen with a powerful surge to the line.
Favourites 3rd stage 2022 Tour de France
*** Wout van Aert, Caleb Ewan, Fabio Jakobsen
** Mads Pedersen, Dylan Groenewegen, Jasper Philipsen, Alberto Dainese
* Danny van Poppel, Alexander Kristoff, Bryan Coquard, Jérémy Lecroq
Another interesting read: route 3rd stage 2022 Tour de France.