Stage 2 of the Czech Tour covers 155 km from Mladá Boleslav to the summit finish atop Ještěd, one of the most iconic climbs in Czech cycling. The mountain profile guarantees a selective finale where pure climbers will have a decisive advantage over puncheurs and rouleurs. This 2.Pro stage race stage is a key battleground for general classification ambitions.
★★★★
Top Favorite
Mikel Landa stands alone at the top of the climbing hierarchy with a stat of 79, the highest in the entire startlist. Racing ahead of a Vuelta campaign, the Soudal Quick-Step veteran has every incentive to peak here and the pure climbing ability to drop the field on the Ještěd ascent.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Mikel Landa tops the startlist with a Climbing stat of 79, making him the clear favorite for this mountain finish at Ještěd. The Legendary-rarity Soudal Quick-Step leader arrives with Vuelta preparation in mind and should dominate on the final ascent.
★★★
Strong Contenders
Jordan Jegat and Jan Hirt are the two most credible threats to Landa. Jegat's 11-race dataset in similar conditions and Epic-rarity status give him proven reliability, while Hirt's home-roads advantage and Climbing stat of 75 make him a genuine podium contender over his home climb.
NSN Cycling
NSN Cycling
Jan Hirt holds a Climbing stat of 75 and averages 15.7 across seven similar-profile races, with a best finish of 9th. The Czech rider racing on home roads for NSN Cycling carries extra motivation at Ještěd.
TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies
Jordan Jegat posts a Climbing stat of 76 and has the most race data in similar-profile events (11 races, avg 15.5), with a best finish of 7th. The Epic-rarity TotalEnergies climber is consistent and dangerous on mountain finishes.
★★
Dark Horses
Jan Castellon's podium and four top-10s in nine comparable races show he knows how to perform when it matters, while Jack Haig benefits from an exceptional INEOS team unit that can control the race. Mauri Vansevenant's hills-climbing hybrid profile makes him a wildcard who could go clear on the approach.
INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers
Jack Haig brings a Climbing stat of 75 and strong INEOS Grenadiers team support, though his recent form (avg 42.2 over six similar races) has been inconsistent. A strong team around him could set him up for a well-timed late attack.
Caja Rural
Caja Rural
Jan Castellon (Climbing 75) has nine comparable race appearances, a podium, and four top-10s to his name, averaging 22.4. His raw stat and proven ability to compete near the front on summit finishes make him a credible dark horse.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Mauri Vansevenant combines a Climbing stat of 73 with a Hills score of 76, making him one of the better-rounded punchy climbers in the field. The Rare-rarity Soudal Quick-Step rider is a trusted domestique who may be freed if Landa controls the race early.
★
Ones to Watch
Alessandro Fancellu's form figure of 6.0 in recent similar races is the best of any rider in this section, demanding attention despite limited race data. Luca Covili and Joe Blackmore both have the stats to spring a surprise, and Óscar Rodríguez rounds out a powerful INEOS quartet with genuine summit-finish credentials.
MBH Bank CSB
MBH Bank CSB
Alessandro Fancellu leads all riders in recent similar-profile form with an average finishing position of 6.0 from one race. His Climbing stat of 73 is solid and his upcoming-race flag confirms his presence, making him a genuine one to watch.
NSN Cycling
NSN Cycling
Joe Blackmore is an Epic-rarity rider for NSN Cycling whose Hills stat of 77 is among the highest in the field, complementing a Climbing score of 73. He could be a surprise weapon on the Ještěd ascent if the race blows apart early.
Bardiani CSF
Bardiani CSF
Luca Covili (Climbing 73) averages 18.4 across seven similar-profile races and has recorded a best finish of 5th, giving him the strongest multi-race climbing résumé outside the top names. He is a consistent threat in races that suit this profile.
INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers
Óscar Rodríguez carries a Climbing stat of 74 and benefits from the strength of the INEOS Grenadiers squad, which fields multiple climbers in this race. If given a free role, he has the engine to feature near the sharp end of the mountain finish.
Verdict
Mikel Landa is the overwhelming favorite given his class-leading Climbing stat of 79 and Legendary rarity, with Jordan Jegat and Jan Hirt his most likely challengers among a competitive climbing field.