The “TGV of Clermont-Ferrand” was part of the select group from which the winner emerged.
Wednesday marked the first uphill finish of the race, which was expected to deliver a big shake-up of the general classification, where the differences were still small. The peloton started from Saint-Amand-Montrond – the birthplace of Julian Alaphilippe, and the town where rainbow jersey Tom Boonen took a Paris-Nice powered to a stage win back in 2006 – and took on three classified climbs: Côte du Vernet, Côte de Cheval Rigon and La Loge des Gardes.
Seven riders established a breakaway, but they didn’t have a chance against the peloton, who was determined to fight for victory and the bonus seconds that were in play at the finish. The escapees were easily reeled in long before the last hurdle of the day, and the GC men had their fight for victory, which was nabbed by Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates).
Rémi Cavagna surprised everyone with a strong ride on La Loge des Gardes, staying with the big favourites’ group until two kilometers to go. The former French Champion rode consistently on the tough ramps of the first-category climb, limiting the damages from the moment he was distanced and arriving home in the top 20, a result which made him Soudal Quick-Step’s highest-ranked rider in the overall standings.
Photo credit: ©Alex Broadway / Getty Images
