An Early Attack …
The start of Stage 2, 170 km between Moulins and Belleville, was given at 12.05, gathering 167 riders. At the Km-14 mark, Frenchman Stéphane Auger (Jean Delatour) escaped, alongside Belgian Paul Van Hyfte and Glenn D'Hollander. The breakaway lasted 100 kilomteres, whereas Stéphane Auger was outdistanced by the Belgian duo.

The Fassa Bortolo Show

The chase was launched by the FB boys, who quickly caught up with the two escapees (Km 122 - Col des Ecorbans). Then Italian Dario Cioni, Spaniard Luis Perez and Belgian Jo Planckaert escaped; with 25 km to go, the gap with the pack was a mere 45''…

A Sneaking Pack In The Beaujolais Mountains…
At the summit of the Col du Fût-d'Avenas, Jo Planckaert (Cofidis), the new best climber, won a handful of precious points, ahead of Luis Perez (Team Coast) and Dario Cioni (Mapei). The breakway ended at the Col de Truges (Km 155), as the sprinters teams gathered pace. Yellow Jersey Alessandro Petacchi, Green Jersey Nico Mattan, as well as Robbie Mc Ewen, Jaan Kirsipuu, Max Van Heeswijk, Didier Rous and Laurent Jalabert were ready for the final rush.

The Jump of Mc Ewen!
Like yesterday, Mc Ewen, Petacchi and Kirsipuu were the fastest. The Australian National Champion, who has captured eight victories since the beginning of the season, is the new leader of the points classification (Green Jersey). As for Petacchi, he remains the race's leader. Angel Vicioso wears the Blue Jersey (Best Young Rider Classification) and Paul Van Hyfte has been rewarded with the Coeur de Lion most agressive rider prize.

Richard Virenque At The Top?

Question: Richard Virenque, how do you feel before the crucial stage Saint-Etienne - Saint-Etienne ?
Richard Virenque: This stage will be a test, for me and for my opponents. My shape has not reached its climax but it should be OK.

Q: Who are the main contenders of the race?
R.V: The answer should come out tomorrow. I wish I could be part of them. I'd like to have an impact on the race…

Q: Tell us more about the coming hilly stages, with three hard finishes (Saint-Etienne, the Mont-Faron and the Col d'Eze)?
R.V: Very hard! Be sure that the winners will be the best riders of the pack!

Q: Will you be inspired by you success in the 2001 edition of Paris-Tours?
R.V: That day was very special to me. I felt so strong! Will I be able to ride sa fast? I don't know. We'll see…