Egan Bernal (Team Ineos) was the underdog on stage 2 of the Tour de Ain, but held on in the face of a dominant ride by Jumbo Visma to remain in contention ahead of Sunday's final challenging stage.

Jumbo Visma brought down the hammer with 35km remaining in the second stage, dropping all but Robert Gesink and Tom Dumoulin on the Col de Mentières, while Bernal lost Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome.

George Bennett, Primoz Roglic, and Steven Kruijswijk set the pace, leaving only Bernal, Nairo Quintana (Alcare Samsic), and Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo). On Sunday's final stage, Roglic led Bernal by 10 seconds, with Valerio Conti (UAE Team Emirates) in third.

"It was a really good stage for us," Bernal said after the finish. "Considering the Tour de France, it's good to have a day like this. In the final, I was at the front and followed the move.

"I followed the plan from the morning, which was to try not to lose time on GC.

As the leaders approached the final climb to the finish and Kruijswijk attacked, Bernal thought he would be forced to chase while being pinned down by Roglic and Bennett, but was saved by Jonathan Castroviejo, who rejoined the fray on the descent before the final climb. Castro was with me on the climb. Castro climbed with me. There were only five or six guys left, but he was there. I'm happy for him and happy for him to be in the Tour," Bernal said. The Tour de France is still a few weeks away, but Jumbo Visma seems to be gaining in strength and confidence. They took the fight to Team Ineos on the second stage, bringing big times to both Thomas and Froome.

The Criterium du Dauphiné begins next week, and Bernal does not seem overly worried at the moment. Bernal was looking for a stage win, but Logric's sprint was not in his favor. The race climbs to the Grand Colombier on stage 3, and the GC could change dramatically again.

"I came here to train. For me it is difficult to beat Roglic in a sprint, but I don't know, I need to try. In the end I came second and gained 6 seconds in bonuses. The bonus is very important for tomorrow's stage."