CHERBOURG-EN-COTENTIN, France (AP) World champion Peter Sagan of Slovakia made the most of a steep, short climb in a frenzied finale to win the second stage of the Tour de France and claim the race's yellow jersey on Sunday.
Sagan used his power on the 1.9-kilometer Cote de la Glacerie leading to the finish line to claim the win ahead of Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe, who started the final sprint. Spaniard Alejandro Valverde was third.
Two-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador, who hit the ground for the second consecutive day, was dropped in the final climb and lost 48 seconds.
Belgian Jasper Stuyven, who was part of an early breakaway group that formed immediately after the start of the stage between Saint-Lo and Cherbourg-en-Cotentin in Normandy, almost thwarted Sagan's plans when he tried to go for a solo win, but was reined in with 500 meters left.
Overnight leader Mark Cavendish finished just behind BMC co-leader Richie Porte, who was among the big losers of day, crossing the finish line 1 minute and 45 seconds behind Sagan after a puncture.
