Kasper Asgreen is fifth in the general classification ahead of the time trial.
For the first time in ten months, Fabio Jakobsen was at the pointy end of a race, making his way to the front of the Critérium du Dauphiné peloton with the help of teammate Josef Cerny, as the peloton rushed towards Saint-Haon-Le-Vieux. The 24-year-old remained there until inside two kilometers to go, when the road tilted upwards and the 7% average gradient put an end to the hopes of many sprinters, as the finale was clearly suited to those able to carry some punch.
Fabio came home around one minute down on winner Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain Victorious), but despite not being in the mix for a good result, he had a big smile on his face, as just being there was another important step made by the Dutchman since returning to the peloton, at the beginning of April.
“We knew the last kilometer would be very hard for me, but the goal was to get there, with just a few kilometers to go, and I’m glad I was able to do that. Inside the final two kilometers, I was in a good position, but after 600 meters I began feeling the lactic acid in my legs. Nevertheless, I’m happy with my performance, because it’s the first finale I do in a long time and I felt good and confident, even though the speed was high and the bunch really nervous. It was nice to feel the adrenaline today and be in a good position. Now I’ll try to help the guys s much as possible and rack up kilometers as I look to build my condition for the second part of the season”, Fabio said after the stage.
Tenth on the line Tuesday afternoon, Kasper Asgreen remained Deceuninck – Quick-Step best placed rider in the Critérium du Dauphiné overall standings, having scored also a bonus second at the intermediate sprint in Viverols, and will be among the last to start the stage 4 individual time trial.
Photo credit: ©Bas Czerwinski / Getty Images
