Carpenter Wins Britain Stage 2

A daring solo move with 30km to go saw Robin Carpenter blow away the breakaway and outrun the peloton, to claim his first European race win and Stage 2 of the Tour of Britain.

Not only did Carpenter secure the stage honors, he also finished with enough time on the peloton to go into the blue overall leader’s jersey.

“I was feeling really good almost all day, then the last 15km were super tough. I didn’t have a whole lot left in the tank, but I knew I had a big gap. I just had to keep it steady and make sure I didn’t explode.”

Carpenter attacked the descents into Exeter with relish, but he found the tank almost dry by the time he reached the city.

“I was falling apart at the end but I made sure to be falling apart by myself.”

DECISIVE MOMENTS

• The break gets established early on the way out of Plymouth. They build a margin of 4 minutes.
• The peloton almost catches the break on the first KOM, before sitting up.
• At 45km to go, the other members of the break fall away, leaving Carpenter & Scott.
• Robin hits it for real 30km out and shakes Scott.
• Robin crosses the line solo, after some daring descending.