If anyone remembers day two of the 1,500km journey last year, the memories will probably be unpleasant: it was a day of downpours, headwinds, and crosswinds.
This year the day started clear and bright, and got better throughout the day, with warm sunshine and relatively little wind to contend with.
Day two is the second longest day of the event, so fine weather makes the tough and long miles much more pleasant, although the final 61km stage of the 261km day requires concentration and focus for everyone to roll into Soissons safe and sound in the dark.
