Thomas Litscher repeated yesterday's win again during stage 2 of the Club la Santa MTB race while Annika Langvad took over as women's leader.

After the relatively easy first stage, racers faced a more demanding stage 2 with more than 60km over a variety of terrain. The day started with a rocky track followed by singletrack through the heart of the Timanfaya National Park. After that, a long climb would be the toughest section of the whole route. Pavement connected to another section of trails until a final 9km section of doubletrack.

The Felt X-Bionic riders Litscher and Karl Markt set a fast pace from the start, and soon the lead group was reduced to eight racers. At times, Litscher was alone off the front.

Entering Timanfaya, Ismael Ventura took the lead. Benjamin Justesen had an untimely fall off his bike just as he was riding strong.

Upon exiting the Timanfaya section, three riders were leading: Litscher, Luis Leao Pinto of Portugal and Ventura. The latter would drop off as the two others increased their rhythm, and at the end of the uphill, he was caught by Justesen and Markt.

Litscher and Pinto inceased their lead while behind them, Markt was slowing down the chasers' group for his teammate Litscher.

Close to the final stretch, Pinto punctured, which left Litscher alone to go for a second stage victory and consolidate his overall lead.

In the chasing group, Markt took the opportunity to attack and managed a second place in front of third placed Ventura, thus repeating top three of day 1.

Justesen performed well, and despite of his hard crash, came in fourth, and he is also in fourth overall.

In the women's race, marathon world champion Annika Langvad imposed her strong condition on her way to winning stage 2. She took over the overall race lead. Behind her, Sally Bigham won the sprint for second place, ahead of the winner of stage 1, German Adelheid Morath.

Stage 3 will consist of a demanding time trial on a 25km course climbing 800m. Wind could play a considerable role.

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