The 205.8 km second stage from Szarvas to Paks was the longest of the race and, despite its flat profile, did not finish in a clean bunch sprint. A late move went clear and Benoît Cosnefroy proved the strongest of the front group, beating Alexis Renard and Max Kanter to the line in Paks. The small gaps behind reflected a finale that fractured rather than a full peloton sprint, and the win plus time bonus lifted Cosnefroy into the overall lead.

Cosnefroy's stage win and bonus seconds moved him ahead of opening-day leader Tim Merlier into the overall lead, which the UAE rider would defend through the two transitional days before the queen stage to Pécs.