Chavanel strikes for first win in three years

Sebastien Chavanel (Europcar) prevailed in a sprint to win the the 164km second stage of the Circuit de Lorraine between Briey and Commercy. Australian Zak Dempster (Rapha Condor Sharp) was second with Roman Feillu (Vacansoleil) third. It was Chavanel's first win since his effort at the 2008 Tour of Picardie.

The victory was not enough to unseat Feillu as general classification leader, the Frenchman's third place on the stage maintaining his three second lead over the rest of the peloton.

Much like the first stage and as expected, the second stage was animated by an attack, this time by Mathias Brandle (Geox-TMC), Thomas De Gendt (Vacansoleil-DCM), Jonathan Thiré (BigMat-Auber 93) and Matteo Fedi (De Rosa-Ceramica Flaminia) who made their escape right from the start of the stage. Their lead maxed out at three minutes before being reeled back in. Chavanel's form leading to the win had been solid, posting top 10 results at both the Four Days of Dunkirk and last week's Tour of Picardie.

"I told myself it's now or never!" he said following the win. "There was an opportunity, and I had to take it. My goal was really to win here today. It's a big relief – a boost for my confidence. It brings an end to three years without success."

"I followed my teammate Yohann Gene into the final straight," Chavanel explained. He was my leadout man. He let me start with 400m to go. Marco Marcato [Vacansoleil] was taking the sprint for Romain Feillu. I was side by side with the latter. In the last few meters, I found the necessary mental strength and second place was not an option!"

The outcome of the Circuit de Lorraine should be decided on Friday's 206km third stage between Château-Salins and Saint-Dies which is described as a queen stage, even if there are some surprises on stage 4.