The yellow jersey remains on the shoulders of Jonas Vingegaard, but the second stage of the Tour de France has sent a very clear message: UAE Team Emirates-XRG has more than one card to play. At the finish line, it was Isaac Del Toro who claimed his first victory at the Grande Boucle, protected until the final meter by an impeccable Tadej Pogacar, who controlled every attempt at a comeback by Remco Evenepoel and Vingegaard himself. The Dane finished fourth, while the Belgian secured third place.

The general classification, however, continues to smile on the Visma-Lease a Bike captain, even though we are only at the beginning of the race. After two days of racing, Vingegaard maintains the lead of the Grande Boucle with a six-second advantage over Pogacar, fifteen over Evenepoel, sixteen over Del Toro, and nineteen over Juan Ayuso.

Still a minimal margin, but precious, especially considering that the first two stages were among the most treacherous of the entire opening week.

The Dane did not hide his satisfaction, even though he knows that the Tour de France is just beginning and that everything will become clearer later on. «I'm really very happy, to be honest. As I said yesterday, I'll enjoy every day I can wear the yellow jersey».

The final circuit in Barcelona, with its repeated passages over Montjuïc, was certainly not ideal terrain for Vingegaard, who is more comfortable on the big Alpine climbs than on explosive short climbs.

For this reason, the fourth place is welcomed with optimism. «A circuit like today's is not my preferred terrain. It's not the type of course that suits me best. For this reason, I think I can be satisfied with having kept the yellow jersey».

The Visma-Lease a Bike leader is already looking ahead to the next day and not living with stress through the upcoming stages. «I'll also enjoy tomorrow's stage. So far everything has gone well. I can't complain».

Vingegaard dedicated few words to the press, presenting himself with a mask covering his nose and mouth to avoid contact with any viruses.

Beyond the day's result, Vingegaard is carefully observing the classification situation. «I'm wearing the yellow jersey and I'm satisfied with how the general classification is shaping up at this moment».

A statement that reflects the philosophy of the two-time Tour winner: avoid risks in the more nervous stages and arrive at the mountains in the best possible condition.

If Visma-Lease a Bike can smile about the leadership, UAE Team Emirates-XRG has demonstrated that it possesses an additional tactical weapon and for this reason can strike fear into its rivals. Isaac Del Toro's victory, achieved thanks to perfect work by Pogacar, gives the Emirati team two riders already very close to the top positions of the general classification.

A situation that Vingegaard is following with great attention. «Yes, absolutely true. They are an extremely strong pair but we'll see in the coming days how they perform, it will be interesting to observe them».

The Dane knows well that facing a single rival is different from having to control two men capable of winning stages and fighting for the classification. «As I said, it will be very interesting to see how they play their cards during the race. It's an aspect we absolutely need to keep in mind in the coming stages».

After just two days, the Tour de France has already begun to outline the first balance of power. Visma-Lease a Bike conquered the yellow jersey with the extraordinary opening team time trial, but UAE's response was not long in coming. Del Toro proved he could be much more than a simple domestique and Pogacar confirmed he is willing to even sacrifice a personal victory to strengthen the team's position. For Vingegaard, the balance remains positive nonetheless: he has navigated two stages that were anything but favorable to his characteristics without problems and continues to lead the general classification.

The advantage is minimal and the road to Paris is still very long. But the Tour has already found its main storyline: on one side Visma-Lease a Bike with Jonas Vingegaard in the yellow jersey, on the other a UAE Team Emirates-XRG that can count on two aces like Tadej Pogacar and Isaac Del Toro. A tactical battle destined to accompany the entire Grande Boucle.