00:00Artin Scholtes said week number two was a clean slate.
00:08After a smooth ride yesterday, his first week troubles resurfaced.
00:13Back on the way, but well over 400 kilometers to go.
00:19And not the only one to face up to adversity.
00:23Especially over the dunes where if you're not careful, you can get stuck.
00:29It might be time for the shovel.
00:42Gert Huzink is out of the overall, but stage wins possible, as well as assisting his nephew.
00:48Yet Gert came home in fourth, a place at 19 seconds faster than Kai.
00:54Meanwhile, two compatriots may have placed each other in checkmate.
00:58Matt Huzink and Lopreis wanted to attack.
01:01Instead, they may have taken each other out of contention.
01:04The pair's collision means they've slipped to 50 and 60 minutes respectively off top spot.
01:11I mean, I really did enjoy it, but unfortunately in the dunes, it was 6.02.
01:17Yeah, Lopreis.
01:18He just stopped over the dunes, like on the other side.
01:22I didn't see him.
01:23We just go there and crashed him.
01:24Vajadotis Ciala appeared in the mood to double up after yesterday's victory.
01:33But with a hundred kilometers to go, the Lithuanian suffered transmission issues that slowed his progress.
01:39By that point, they had Mitchell van den Brink in their dust and they finally accepted to let the T5 leader pass.
01:46After his three main rivals shared wins over the past four stages, the Dutchman back on top and strengthening his grip in the overall.
01:54It was a very nice stage.
01:55It was a fast one, very nice scenery.
01:58So we really enjoyed that, especially the dunes.
02:01They were amazing.
02:02So yeah, it was perfect.
02:05And I think to have the day victory.
02:07So we are very happy.
02:10A third success as Mitchell equals his stage win output from the 2025 edition.
02:16Ciala on the podium for the sixth time in eight stages.
02:20Potentially a defining day with both Lopreis and Masic fearing the worst.
02:25Ciala up to second.
02:27Mitchell with 38 minutes in hand.
