We are back! Yesterday saw no racing as disastrous weather conditions were deemed unsafe by the Organisers. We are back today though. A very similar stage to the opener and another opportunity for the sprinters. Likely to be their last here in Norway.
It's the same list of favourites as Stage 1. Can Howard make up for the disaster on the opener? Will AKA make it 2 from 2? Who else can step up and win this? We'll soon find out!
It's still wet here but the fans are well dressed up and here to see their favourite riders.
An interesting name on the attack early as the breakaway is yet to settle but with 125km remaining it's Gaudu who wins the only KOM sprint of the day.
Absolutely torrential weather here with 111km to go and we have a breakaway of 5 riders with a 3'19 gap. Svab Bridges Kooistra Senyenov Gaudu
First intermediate sprint reached, 80km to the finish. It's Svab who takes it. The gap down to 2'39.
The Peloton, a little stretched at the front, is 1'27 behind with 28km to go. It's all flat from here but not particularly straight.
10km to go and the catch looks to be almost made. The escapees trying their hardest to stay ahead.
2.5km to go and Gaudu only being caught as the sprint begins. It's messy but everyone is on the left-hand side.
Approaching 1km to go and Moser left to fight for his own after the lead-out. Suryadi on the right has given a great lead-out to Howard but will he have the energy to go to the end? Many other riders here too.
AKA and Contreras looking the best early on here.
These 2 now fading as it appears to be a battle between Hsu and Houle!
And it will be one of these 2 in a fight to the line.
And Hsu wins it by the width of his tube!! Houle oh so close but has to settle for 2nd.
Contreras is 3rd ahead of yesterday's stage winner, Kragh Andersen.
Garcia Cortina is 5th ahead of Howard who comes through in 6th.
And there appears to be a gap after the first 104 riders! Seems very likely that some decently big names could have ended up on the wrong end of this one which will seriously hurt their GC ambitions.
Never mind… Race organisers feeling pretty generous today as they judge no gap there. There were some top puncheurs in here so they will be relieved.
Tour of Norway - Stage 2 Report 
