The Kiwi rider finished in second place on day two
Niamh Fisher-Black moved into the overall lead of the Faun Tour Femmes after a strong second-place finish on stage two, following a commanding performance from Lidl-Trek.
The team controlled the race throughout the day, before positioning Fisher-Black perfectly for the decisive finale. As the peloton approached the final climb, the team’s work ensured their GC leader was exactly where she needed to be, giving Fisher-Black the best possible platform to fight for the stage win.
Photo by Billy Ceusters/Getty Images
When the race entered its decisive phase, the New Zealander hit the ascent hard, immediately putting her rivals under pressure and reducing the group. Her acceleration was almost enough to drop everyone, leaving only Juliette Berthet hanging on to Fisher-Black’s wheel.
Fisher-Black ultimately crossed the line in second in a tight sprint between the pair, but the result was enough to move her into the overall lead of the race. It was a strong reward for the collective effort from Lidl-Trek and puts the team in an excellent position heading into the remaining stages. With the yellow jersey now on her shoulders, Fisher-Black’s focus turns to defending the lead.
Photo by Billy Ceusters/Getty Images
In Niamh's words
It’s nice and a good position to be in. Juliette [Berthet] was super strong. I had a good try on the climb but it didn’t work out, still it was a good race. I have to say my team was really strong, I was really impressed by the fight. They put me in a good position for the final climb and when it’s like that, and you see your teammates do so much hard work, it’s easy to push really deep.
These were some nice climbs today and we want to race everyday so we really tried to make a gap to the others on the climb. Today we couldn’t do it but there are more days to come.
