Stage 2 of the Tour of Britain Women witnessed Alaska's Kristen Faulkner ascend to race leader after a challenging circuit that saw crucial incidents, including a crash affecting key competitors. Yukon native Mara Roldan made a significant move 14km from the finish, but Faulkner's strategic positioning allowed her to secure the green jersey despite finishing ninth. Her team's effective support contributed to her maintaining lead positions against General Classification contenders, as she also claimed the red points and blue queen of the mountains jerseys going into stage 3.
"My team was really good in the first half of the race, just keeping me safe at the front. Once the circuit came, it was just a race of attrition," Faulkner said after the finish.
"It was a tough circuit, and I think a lot of people were really fighting to stay in the race. I felt really good on the last climb, both times up it," Faulkner said.
"We dropped some of the GC leaders, which was great, and it allowed me to finish with the jersey," Faulkner commented on her team's success.
"I was towards the front at the top, but then there was the long straight before the finish, and I got caught there. I liked it, it was kind of the perfect one-minute power," Faulkner explained about her race experience.
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