Superb teamwork sees Ellen take second on the stage and keep hold of the yellow jersey.
Stage 2 of Vuelta a Extremadura had it all. Categorised climbs, crosswinds and technical descents. The Lidl-Trek women had their work cut out for them to try defend the lead. As soon as the crosswinds hit, the team took control at the front of the peloton and set the pace. With 25km to go, the riders hit the category 2 Alto de Robledo where the other teams tried hard to put the race leader under pressure.
It was very windy so there was always the chance of echelons but the team were very attentive. The pace up the climb was a hard one, especially with attacks over the top of it. It was just Emma (Norsgaard) and myself left in the front group. It was up to us to chase as one of the girls up ahead was also close on GC.
Emma chased really well. We kept the lone breakaway rider under control and kept the pace high to stop any other attacks going. Emma was doing a great job of keeping me out of the wind until the finish and bringing back the break inside the last 2km. I'm not a sprinter but after a hard day, everything is a bit different. I went with 300metres to go and then around the last corner, I hit something on the road and unfortunately I dropped to the inner ring. That was really a shame but to come second in the sprint is still really special for me.
Ellen now holds 6 seconds over second place on the general classification so its all still to play for in tomorrows stage 3!
