Tour of Slovenia 2021 – Stage 2 [LAST 10 KM]

June 10, 2021

Tour of Slovenia 2021 – Stage 2 – Žalec – Celje (Celjski Grad) : 147 km

The Tour of Slovenia returns after a year’s forced absence, celebrating both the 30th anniversary of the country’s independence and the return of their Tour de France champion. Indeed, Tadej Pogačar will be hitting the start line in Slovenia’s oldest city, Ptuj. Tadej will be the out and out favourite for his home race, but will face competition from an array of fresh contenders over the course of the five-day stage race. Fighting it out for the leader’s green jersey, the riders will be welcomed by a country eager for cycling. There are no pan-flat days at the Tour of Slovenia.

Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) won stage 2 of the Tour of Slovenia, taking over the race leadership after soloing to the finish in Celje.

The 22-year-old got away on the final second-category climb to Svetina on a day dominated by his team. He crossed the line after a 22-kilometre solo ride to take his seventh win of 2021 by 1:22.

Matej Mohoric (Bahrain Victorious) took second place from the chase group, beating Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates) in a sprint to the line.

“This stage was already two years ago and it was even harder than today,” Pogacar said after the stage. “I felt super good so I tried to go full gas on the climb. I got a gap and then after the descent full gas to the finish and I made it.

“I really like this stage. It’s a classic one for the race. I tried today and it was a success. I didn’t think it would be such a good advantage in the end. I’m really happy to take this win.”

Results :
1 Tadej Pogacar (Slo) UAE Team Emirates 3:32:02
2 Matej Mohorič (Slo) Bahrain Victorious 0:01:22
3 Diego Ulissi (Ita) UAE Team Emirates
4 Matteo Sobrero (Ita) Astana-Premier Tech
5 Tanel Kangert (Est) Team BikeExchange 0:01:25
6 James Shaw (GBr) Ribble Weldtite
7 Rafal Majka (Pol) UAE Team Emirates
8 Giovanni Carboni (Ita) Bardiani-CSF-Faizane
9 Jonathan Lastra (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA
10 Jan Polanc (Slo) UAE Team Emirates 0:01:30

General Classification after Stage 2 :
1 Tadej Pogacar (Slo) UAE Team Emirates 7:05:37
2 Matej Mohorič (Slo) Bahrain Victorious 0:01:25
3 Diego Ulissi (Ita) UAE Team Emirates 0:01:28
4 Matteo Sobrero (Ita) Astana-Premier Tech 0:01:33
5 Giovanni Carboni (Ita) Bardiani-CSF-Faizane 0:01:36
6 Jonathan Lastra (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA
7 James Shaw (GBr) Ribble Weldtite
8 Rafal Majka (Pol) UAE Team Emirates
9 Tanel Kangert (Est) Team BikeExchange 0:01:41
10 Jan Polanc (Slo) UAE Team Emirates 0:02:08