Harry Tanfield will face a major test of his green jersey credentials on stage three of the Tour de Yorkshire on Saturday (1.10pm).
The 23-year-old, from Great Ayton, created history on stage two when he became the first Brit to retain one of the race’s jerseys.
After becoming the first to win a stage with his Doncaster success on Thursday, he currently holds a one-point lead in the sprints classification at the halfway point of the UCI 2.1 race.
Ali Slater is his closest rival, with the JLT Condor man boasting a total of 20 to Tanfield’s 21.
However, Magnus Cort Nielsen (15) and Greg van Avermaet (12) are now looming large after their duel on the summit finish of the Cote de Cow & Calf on Friday.
And the World Tour duo may be gunning for glory again today as the race navigates a lumpy 181km from Richmond to Scarborough.
The stage features two categorised climbs of around 1.5km. The Cote de Sutton Bank, which is crested at 66.5km, and the Cote de Silpho at 129.5km.
With average gradients of 12 per cent and 8.2 per cent respectively, they represent stern challenges for the peloton.
And along with a testing final 10km, the genuine quick men will have their work cut out to be there for the finale.
Two intermediate sprints may offer Tanfield hope of garnering a little extra breathing space at the top of the standings, should he chase another day in the breakaway.
The first arrives after 38km at Moreton-on-Swale before the second comes in Pickering at the 99.5km marker.
Each one holds five points for the winner, three for second place and one for third across the line.
Slater is unlikely to let Tanfield clip off alone, though. So the Teesside University graduate may opt to keep his powder dry and attempt to land a blow in the kick for glory in Scarborough.
He has proved in the past he is more than capable of mixing it with the big boys and his victory on Thursday highlighted his willingness to suffer in pursuit of success.
At the finish, 15 points are on offer to the winner, 12 for second, nine for third and so on until 10th position earns one.
Whatever happens, it promises to be a thrilling penultimate stage of what has become an intriguing fourth edition of the Tour de Yorkshire.
Max Stedman will begin day three in 16th place on general classification, 29 seconds down on leader Cort Nielsen.
The 22-year-old’s goal will be to stay out of trouble and save his energy for Sunday’s decisive Queen stage, which features six categorised climbs.
With Alex Paton and Chris Opie forced to withdraw yesterday, sports director Tim Elverson is left with just five men to go into battle.
However, his squad is developing a reputation for upsetting the odds and punching above their weight. Roll on stage three!