Simon Defrance takes victory on stage 2 of the Aubel-Thimister-Stavelot

Simon Defrance claimed victory on stage 2 of the 2026 Aubel-Thimister-Stavelot, the 2B stage of the Belgian race, covering the course in 02:16:28.The raceThe Frenchman beat Vic De Smet to the line, with the latter finishing in the same time, and Aitor Martinez Groset, third in a tie. The stage concluded with a reduced group at the front, with the top five finishers all separated by the same time as the winner.Stage result1. Simon Defrance (FRA) — 02:16:282. Vic De Smet (BEL) — s.t.3. Aitor Martinez Groset (ESP) — s.t.4. Sebastian Suppi (EST) — s.t.5. Thijs Wiersma (NED) — s.t.General classificationIn the general classification, Soen Le Pann snatched the leader's jersey from Maj Bohak, who had been at the top at the end of the previous stage and today slips to third place. Le Pann leads with 04:34:54, followed by Sebastian Suppi at 6 seconds and Bohak at 20.The race continues tomorrow with a new stage, the final leg of the Belgian trilogy.