Mauri Vansevenant moves up in the general classification after another valiant ride.
Col de Turini, the iconic road that has hosted some legendary moments and spectacular feats in the World Rally Championships since the ‘60s, made its second Paris-Nice appearance in four years at the end of a stage that has seen Michael Mørkøv join the breakaway for the second time this week and spend a good chunk of time at the front before being reeled in.
Averaging 7.3% over 14.9 kilometers, the ascent that almost seven decades ago witnessed a legendary Tour de France solo attack of Louison Bobet cracked many of the GC favourites as soon as the gradient stiffened, leaving only four riders in the fight for victory, which was nabbed by overall leader Primo Roglic (Jumbo-Visma).
Mauri Vansevenant was again part of the reduced group, staying with the big guns until five kilometers to go, when they began trading blows. Distanced, the Belgian immediately found a place in a chasing group and fought hard to limit the damages all the way until the top, where he arrived two minutes down on stage winner Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma). This solid effort elevated Mauri one place in the standings ahead of the final stage, which will take in several of the hills surrounding Nice.
Photo credit: ©Bas Czerwinski / Getty Images
