Lauri Tamm claimed victory at the end of Stage 2 of the 2026 Baltic Chain Tour after a late crash split the front of the race. His National Team of Estonia teammate Norman Vahtra finished second, while Magnus Machholdt of Reffen Co:Play Giant Store took third. The result puts Tamm into the overall race lead heading into the final stage, where the general classification remains wide open.
Stage 2 started in good weather in Kuremaa, with the riders first completing a loop around Kuremaa Lake before tackling four laps of the Laiuse circuit. Two intermediate sprints were contested during the local laps, while strong winds immediately made their presence felt.
The race was highly active from the beginning. On the climbs around Laiuse, the wind caused significant gaps to open, splitting the peloton into four larger groups.
At the first intermediate sprint, Michal Pomorski of ATT Investments took the maximum points ahead of Romet Pajur and Norman Vahtra of the National Team of Estonia.
First intermediate sprint:
- Michal Pomorski (ATT Investments)
- Romet Pajur (National Team of Estonia)
- Norman Vahtra (National Team of Estonia)
The groups eventually came back together, allowing the following lap to be ridden at a calmer pace. Pomorski again took the honours at the second intermediate sprint, this time ahead of Markus Pajur of the National Team of Estonia and Fabian Steininger of Schwingshandl Intralogistics.
Second intermediate sprint:
- Michal Pomorski (ATT Investments)
- Markus Pajur (National Team of Estonia)
- Fabian Steininger (Schwingshandl Intralogistics)
After four laps, the riders left Kuremaa behind and headed towards the finish in Ülenurme. The peloton and various breakaway groups repeatedly merged and split before a two-rider move finally established itself.
Mihkel Räim of Quick Pro and Kacper Majewski of Wibatech Lubelskie Perła Polski managed to build a lead of around 1 minute and 50 seconds and held the advantage for a long period. The peloton gradually reduced the gap to around 50 seconds, however, and the two leaders were eventually caught.
The weather also had an impact on the pace. While the opening part of the race was contested at an average speed of around 45 km/h, rain and colder conditions later brought the average down to approximately 42 km/h.
With 35 kilometres remaining, the peloton accelerated again and split in half, while the remaining breakaway was swallowed up. Several riders tried to launch new attacks, but none managed to establish a decisive move.
The decisive moment came on the final roundabout, where a crash disrupted the front of the race. Lauri Tamm, Norman Vahtra and Magnus Machholdt emerged together and reached the finish as a trio. In the closing metres, the two Estonian riders distanced Machholdt by a few seconds, with Tamm taking a clear victory.
Rait Ärm crossed the line alone in fourth place, followed by the main bunch.
The victory also moved Tamm into the overall lead of the Baltic Chain Tour.
Jerseys after Stage 2
Tour Overall Leader: Lauri Tamm (National Team of Estonia)
Most Competitive Rider: Michal Pomorski (ATT Investments)
Most Active Rider: Romet Pajur (National Team of Estonia)
Best Young Rider: Lauri Tamm (National Team of Estonia)
With only one stage remaining, the battle for the overall victory is still wide open. The time gaps at the top of the general classification are small, meaning the 2026 Baltic Chain Tour will be decided on Sunday.
Stage 3 takes the riders into southern Estonia, where they will complete four large loops. Three intermediate sprints will be held in front of the Estonian Road Museum before the race heads back towards Ülenurme for the finish.
The final stage of the 2026 Baltic Chain Tour takes place on Sunday, 23 August.
