Cycling is an extremely tough sport at the best of times, but add hailstorms to the mix and it goes to a new level.Violent weather hit the second stage of the Criterium du Dauphine in France, as the last of the riders closed in on the finish line.The stage was won by Slovenian Primoz Roglic, who currently holds the yellow jersey in the event, but it was behind him that chaos began to ensue when hail hit the track.Caught up in the storm was Belgian Tim Declercq, who is set to compete in his second Tour de France this year.Following the race, he posted a photo of his back to Instagram, which was covered in large red welts, captioning the post: "As if Le Dauphine was not painfull (sic) enough for the legs #hailstones."p1efmmsll31c001an012qa13bv1nkff.jpgStorms have hit England over the past few days during the recent hot weather, and moved into France as the Dauphine entered its second day.Rain continuously fell throughout the stage, but the worst of the weather hit towards its conclusion.Several riders were able to shield from the hail, whilst others climbed up hills and banks.Just watch some of the insane footage below.

The five-day event is considered as a warm-up for the Tour de France, which is due to start on August 29 after a delay due to the coronavirus pandemic. Unlike last season’s edition, which began in Belgium, this year’s tour will take place solely in France.

Team Ineos rider Chris Froome, a four-time Tour champion, is making his return after missing last year’s event due to injury. It will be his last Tour as an Ineos rider, with the 35-year-old having announced earlier this year that he would be signing up with Israel Start-Up Nation for 2021.

Froome currently trails teammate Egan Bernal in the Dauphine standings, which continues today.