4 Jours de Dunkerque / Grand Prix des Hauts de France

Saturday brought the most important stage of this edition, one which has regarded by many as being decisive in the final outcome, especially as the gaps weren’t that big in the general classification. The famous Cassel circuit meant that the peloton had to face around twenty climbs, for a total vertical gain of more than 2600 meters, but this didn’t stop Fausto Masnada from going on the attacks as soon as they exited the neutral zone in Arques.

The experienced Italian was the main engine of the five-man breakaway, which one hour into the race had a margin north of five minutes, which prompted a serious response from the peloton, who changed the speed and began chasing. Not only that Masnada drove a solid tempo each time he took the front in the group, he also picked up points on the many classified climbs of the stage.

More than 40 kilometers from the finish, Fausto dropped his companions and continued alone, summiting three more climbs before being caught by the bunch. As soon as this happened, his Soudal Quick-Step teammate Kasper Asgreen launched a powerful acceleration – a move that was joined by four other riders. The newly-formed leading group put some real pressure on the chasers, and at one point it looked like the attackers would have a chance, but the tough gradients of the last ascent helped the peloton make the catch just 1500 meters from the finish.

The victory went to Sam Bennett (Decathlon AG2R), while Antoine Huby was the first Soudal Quick-Step rider home, making an important jump in the GC. For his efforts, Fausto Masnada was rewarded with the KOM classification leader jersey, which he will wear on the last stage of the Quatre Jours de Dunkerque.

“It was the hardest day of the race, and after not having the best feeling this week, I decided to go in a breakaway to help the team. I made my move eight kilometers into the stage and I was joined by others before we entered on the circuit. I knew KOM points were up for grabs there and went for them, especially as I didn’t know if we’ll get to fight for the win, with the peloton chasing hard behind us. I eventually got caught, but I am satisfied at the end of the day, because I did my best and to have this jersey on my shoulders is a nice reward after a tough stage”, Fausto said after the podium ceremony.

Photo credit: ©Luc Claessen / Getty Images