Paris-Nice Stage Two: Mantes-la-Jolie > Orleans, 185.5kms

Frank Schleck signs-on for another day in the saddle - but this will not be just any old day...

shack

Denis Menchov might have a chance to show off in his new Katusha kit this week...

katusha

Christian Knees sets a mighty task for his Sky mechanic in the opening kilometres...

skymechanic

Gustav Larsson race-lead shouldn't be threatened on this windy day - its the Swede's speciality..!

After almost 60-kilometres Oliver Kaisen makes the day's first escape...

lotto

The peloton continues its slumber-speed pace - but there's a reason why...

After a small hill, the peloton gets hit from the side by some mighty strong winds - Andy Schleck is one of the first to succumb...

windschleck

David Moncoutie must be regretting his decision to continue to race in 2012...

The 200-rider peloton is in as many pieces as the wind strikes again...

wind

Team Sky are the culprits - Bradley Wiggins and Geraint Thomas have attacked through the feed-zone with 90-kilometres to go..!

sky

The yellow jersey of Larsson is seen in a group just behind Wiggins - but that's as close as he'll get..!

wind

Richie Porte has been blown out of Larsson's group - and he's one of the strongest riders in the race..!

escape

Levi Leipheimer is in the front group, as is Sep Vanmarcke - they're over one minute ahead of Larsson...

escape

Wiggins is the main protagonist now, and he has the most to gain..!

wigginssky

Tom Boonen wins stage two into Orleans - it is the 100th win of his professional career..!

omega

Frank Schleck arrives in Larsson's group, 2'20" down - brother Andy will lose eleven minutes..!

shack

A happy, but shivering Bradley Wiggins is the new race-leader of Paris-Nice...

sky