Van Avermaet second in Tour’s second stage

Greg Van Avermaet claimed second place in the second stage of the Tour de France through Yorkshire on Sunday. Lokeren-born Van Avermaet, 29, was clocked just two seconds behind winner Vincenzo Nibali at the Sheffield finish line.

Van Avermaet is a rare podium finisher in the big races. Although he came close to winning the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec, he is a supporting rider for his BMC Racing Team in the Tour de France.

He said afterwards that he had planned to finish near the front for this stage. "I had singled out this stage ages ago and when I reconnoitered the stage on Wednesday my expectations were confirmed,” he said. "There are not all that many chances, so I was determined to make the best of this one. It is a classic route with narrow roads, bends and turns. That's when I come into my own.”