LONDON — Dutch rider Dylan Groenewegen claimed his second stage win in the opening three days of the Tour of Britain after holding off compatriot Mathieu van der Poel on Monday.

The Jumbo-Visma rider triumphed in an uphill sprint finish in Newcastle at the end of a 183km stage from Berwick-upon-Tweed, backing up his victory on day one.

After a six-rider escape bunch were reeled in with 1km of the stage remaining, Groenewegen produced a masterclass, bursting clear and holding off the surging Van der Poel (Corendon-Circus).

Davide Cimolai (Israel Cycling Academy) finishing third.

Italian Matteo Trentin (Mitchelton-Scott) came fifth on the stage and retained his overall race lead, seven seconds ahead of Cimolai.

The race was briefly neutralized at around 120km after half of the peloton were caught at a level crossing.

The peloton and the breakaway were stopped with the bunch then allowed to catch up with the escapees who were then allowed to ride on until they had regained their three-minute gap.

Tuesday's 171.5km stage promises plenty of climbing as the race crosses the Pennines and ends in the Lake District.— Reuters