Dede solos to victory to extend overall lead

Stage two of the men’s Science in Sport Tour de Lunsar took the riders from Lunsar to Masiaka and back over the course of 112.5km. Featuring nearly 900m of elevation gain, today’s stage was the biggest climbing day of the race. While 900m might not seem much, the mercury soared to 38°C making even the slightest incline feel like the Galbier. Preye John Dede of Team Pitstop Lagos held the Science in Sport yellow jersey going into the stage after a commanding victory the previous day.

The attacks came from the start and American riders Jack Duncan and Natnael Mesmer of Team Mike’s Bikes powered by Equator Coffees were active at the front once more. Eventually, Team Pitstop Lagos organised themselves and sent race leader Preye John Dede up the road for a second day running. An unfortunate mechanical for Innocent Emmanuel soon left Dede isolated at the front alongside the two Mike’s Bikes riders and former junior champion Ibrahim Kamara of C2C.

As the day went on, the breakaway extended its advantage over a slowing peloton and looked destined to contest the stage win between themselves. Despite being alone in the lead group, Dede attacked on the slopes of the ‘Container Climb’ in Yankisa and left his breakaway companions behind.

After coming to the line with two teammates yesterday, Dede arrived alone this time around and demonstrated that he is currently the strongest rider in the field. The Pitstop Lagos man is now firmly in control of the general classification heading into the weekend after gaining a further 2 minutes over his rivals.

In the Zwift points classification, Dede claimed maximum points at the intermediate sprint in Masiaka ahead of Kamara and Mesmer. The Nigerian now leads this classification, taking over from his teammate Emmanuel.

The Marampa Mines KOM points also went to Dede following his searing attack on the climb.

Stage Results

1. Preye John Dede – Team Pitstop Lagos

2. Jack Duncan – Team Mike’s Bikes

3. Ibrahim Kamara – C2C

Jersey Wearers

Science in Sport yellow jersey – Preye John Dede – Team Pitstop Lagos

Marampa Mines polka-diamond jersey – Preye John Dede – Team Pitstop Lagos

Zwift orange jersey – Preye John Dede – Team Pitstop Lagos

By Luke Williams