Soudal Quick-Step’s rider remains in contention for a good result at the World Tour race.
The first of the week’s two summit finishes took the riders to Les Marécottes, a quite steep 7.3km climb which – at least, on paper – should have brought some significant changes to the overall standings and create wider gaps between the favourites ahead of Friday’s individual time trial.
But the presence of that important stage against the clock and the strong headwind on the final ascent completely flipped the script and only a few attacks happened in the closing kilometers of the stage. Even in these conditions, a selection was made and the general classification was reshuffled, Ilan Van Wilder being among the ones who gained a couple of positions thanks to a solid display on Les Marécottes.
The 23-year-old Belgian – who earlier this season finished fourth overall at the UAE Tour – started the day in eighth place and now sits just three seconds off the podium of the Tour de Romandie, having the chance of moving up in the rankings in Oron, where the third stage will take place.
“The team did a great work and made sure we keep our energy for the climb. The guys were there for me and I think we all did a good job which puts us in a nice position going into the time trial”, said Ilan at the end of stage two.
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