NYBORG, DENMARK (REUTERS) - Dutchman Fabio Jakobsen claimed the second stage of the Tour de France, a 202.2-km flat ride from Roskilde to Nyborg, in a stunning sprint finish after pulling ahead of Wout van Aert and Mads Pedersen on Saturday (July 2).

The win capped a remarkable comeback for the 25-year-old Jakobsen after he spent two days in an induced coma two years ago following a bad crash during the Tour of Poland.

Jakobsen’s victory was the second in a row for Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl, who also enjoyed Yves Lampaert’s surprise win in Friday’s time trial. It was also the team’s 50th stage win since their Tour debut in 2002.

Van Aert’s push at the end meant that the Team Jumbo-Visma rider took the yellow jersey from fellow Belgian Lampaert, who was involved in a late crash but recovered to remain second in the general classification.

Two-times defending champion Tadej Pogacar crossed the line three minutes behind after suffering a puncture but managed to retain third place in the overall standings.

“Today is ‘incroyable’ as we would say in French,” said Jakobsen.

“For me it was a long process, step by step. A lot of people helped me along the way. This is to pay them back so they can see it was not for nothing.

“I’m happy I still enjoy riding the bike and racing and luckily I can still win. It’s an amazing day and I’d like to thank all the people that helped me to be here,” added Jakobsen.

The finish looked like a two-way tussle between Van Aert and Pedersen but Jakobsen accelerated over the last few metres to take the win in his debut on the Tour.

Sunday’s stage three is a 182km flat ride from Vejle to Sonderborg.