Kazakhstani cyclist Fedorov wins Baku-Khankendi Stage 2

Inside the final 10 kilometers, Fedorov launched a counterattack from the group of favorites, bridged across to solo leader Alexandre Balmer, and then outsprinted him for the victory.

The favorites’ group finished 9 seconds later, while two other XDS Astana Team riders, Aaron Gate and Henok Mulubrhan, finished in the Top 10 (5th and 7th respectively).

Following Stage 2, Yevgeniy Fedorov moved into the overall lead of the race.

“It was a very difficult stage. The start was aggressive right away, and with the crosswinds the peloton split into echelons. Our team worked very smartly, and we had four riders in the front group. Later we continued working in the break and gained a very good advantage,” he said.

According to him, on the climbs the attacks started, and eventually one rider - Alexandre Balmer - went clear.

“Our group was close, but we couldn’t close the gap. Then I launched a counterattack and managed to bridge across. I understood that it was a great opportunity to fight for the win, so I tried to give everything to prevent the group from catching us. With one and a half kilometer to go, Balmer attacked and opened a gap of around twenty meters, but I closed it with my pace and immediately took the inside line into the final corner. At that moment I realized I could win – I gave everything in the sprint, and it worked out. I’m very happy with this success. There are still three stages to go and the real battle is still ahead, but we will take it day by day,” said Yevgeniy Fedorov.