After winning a short prologue on Monday and taking the leaders jersey at Tour de l’Ardeche, Sweden’s Emilia Fahlin backed up on Wednesday to take the win in the second time trial of the week.

Fahlin powered over the 3.5km course and surprised herself a second time to take the win.

“It was also a short time trial,” said Fahlin, “ but it was totally different to the prologue. It went straight uphill and then down a technical descent to the finish.”

“I’m surprised to win again but I’m really happy,” she added. “The mountain stages come in the next few days, which will be a lot harder, but these wins have given me some confidence so we’re excited to race hard and give it everything.

Probably the biggest surprise for Fahlin was that she could go so fast so early in the morning; not particularly being known as a morning person.

“It definitely wasn’t easy for me starting a race at 8:30am!”

“She’s really excited,” said Sport Director Ronny Lauke. “These are big wins for her and it shows her form going into the world championships. The girls are very motivated here and I’m really happy with the way they’re riding.”

The afternoon saw Emma Pooley win the second stage of the day.