Milan avoids late carnage to take second stage win

JONATHAN Milan avoided a late crash in Valence to sprint to his second victory of this year’s Tour de France and strengthen his grip on the green jersey while Tadej Pogacar stayed safe in yellow.

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Several riders went down in wet, slippery conditions entering the last kilometre of the 160km stage from Bollene, blocking the road and leaving less than a dozen riders to contest the sprint - and from their number it was no surprise to see the inform Milan (pictured) hold off a late charge from Jordi Meeus.

It was a victory Milan needed in the fight for the points leader's green jersey as his advantage over Pogacar at the start of the day was 11 points, and given this could prove to be the last chance for the sprinters with the Montmartre climb added to Sunday's final stage into Paris.