Breakaway takes the spoils again at the French race.
One of the longest stages of the whole cycling season took place on Monday, when the Tour Auvergne - Rhône-Alpes bunch embarked on a 235km trek from Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux to Le Puy-en-Velay. Once the peloton left behind a long neutral zone, an elevation gain of almost 3700 awaited, the lumpy parcours comprising five classified climbs being perfect for a group of riders to roll the dice.
Martin Svrcek was among those who attacked in the first hour of the race, quickly gaining 20 seconds on the bunch, but the breakaway was a long way from being formed and they were soon brought back. It took several more skirmishes for a group to ride away, and this time not only was the peloton fine with this move, they also allowed them to open a huge six-minute gap.
As a result, for the second day in a row, the breakaway made it, only this time it was Anthon Charmig (Uno-X Mobility) who took the victory. Mauri Vansevenant was Soudal Quick-Step’s top finisher, just outside the top ten, but also Valentin Paret-Peintre came home together with the GC favorites and remains well-placed in the general classification ahead of Tuesday’s team time trial, which promises to give the overall standings a meaning full shake-up.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
