More drama ensued on the second stage of the Dubai Tour, which featured several storylines outside of Elia Viviani‘s birthday celebration.

Here are three takeaways and observations from the race that saw riders trek from Skydive Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah:

DOWN, BUT NOT OUT

Considering their quality, it wasn’t shocking to see Viviani and Dylan Groenewegen overcome mechanical issues to finish one-two, but their ability to bounce back was impressive nonetheless.

While Viviani’s comeback after a rear tire puncture will rightly receive most of the attention, the mental and physical strength displayed by Groenewegen (LottoNL-Jumbo) to shake off not one, but two problematic instances with his bike, only solidified his position as a contender at the Tour.

It doesn’t appear as if the 24-year-old will fade into the background after capturing the opening stage. Even though you could argue his near-win on day two despite facing adversity was more impressive, Groenewegen was in no mood for moral victories.

“I’m a little bit disappointed in the final,” he said. “Had some bad luck with mechanical problems and then I lost my sprint train. I saw the finish line but it was a little bit too late.”

After speaking confidently following day one, Groenewegen did nothing in stage two to lower the lofty expectations he’s earned for himself.

KITTEL KEPT WAITING

German sprint king Marcel Kittel has yet to replicate the magic he produced in previous editions as another bunch sprint finish didn’t go his way.

Kittel appeared in favourable position with his Katusha-Alpecin team-mates lining up at the head of the peloton, but the desired result didn’t follow.

While he claimed he “always” learns more from losses than wins, Kittel also expressed some frustration in the lack of help from other teams in carrying the load at the front of the peloton.

“Today and yesterday, we got no help, apart from only our team,” he said. “All the others waited, so I don’t know why they were doing it. It’s a sprinter’s race so you should also maybe go for it.”

After dominating the past two years, Kittel is uncharacteristically trailing nearly midway through his three-peat bid.

A SPORT OF CAMARADERIE

Kittel’s gripe aside, there were moments of sportsmanship in the second stage which highlighted cycling’s beautiful contradictory nature.

It may be an individual sport, but riders and teams often make it clear they’re part of a greater brotherhood and helping one another – even if it can come at the cost of your own success – isn’t a rarity.

That was evident when Viviani made up ground from his tire puncture as cars in front of him allowed him to draft on their rear bumper before reinforcements arrived from his Quick-Step Floors team to guide him the rest of the way back to the peloton.

Another bit of camaraderie came when the two remaining riders in the stage’s breakaway. Nicolas Edet (Cofidis) and Charles Planet (Novo Nordisk) fist-bumped to signal a job well done before giving way to the onrushing peloton.

It was a small gesture between the Frenchmen, but one that showed mutual respect, appreciation and team-work.