Critérium du Dauphiné

The first of the three gruelling mountain stages scheduled this week took place Friday afternoon, when the peloton returned to Collet d’Allevard after more than a decade. It was a hard and complicated day which took its toll on many riders, especially when the steep gradients of the final climb began to bite, inside the final five kilometers.

Soudal Quick-Step did a fantastic job the entire day, controlling the breakaway and protecting Remco Evenepoel. On the steepest part of the ascent, a couple of riders increased the tempo and began attacking the yellow jersey, who suffered and lost contact with his general classification opponents. Mikel Landa took over the pace-setting in the group, trying to limit the losses, before the Belgian – who in the meantime had found his rhythm – rode away with two kilometers to go.

Remco concluded the stage in eighth, 42 seconds behind winner Primoz Roglic (Bora-hansgrohe) and sits in second overall going into Saturday’s short but tough stage to Samoëns 1600, which he will start with the white jersey on his shoulders.

“I knew before the climb that my legs were a bit heavy and that it would be difficult to stay with the best, which is a bit normal, as I’m not in top form. Mikel put in a strong effort for me, then I found my own rhythm and went alone to try to limit the loss. At the same time, two weeks ago I couldn’t have produced this kind of power, so despite conceding time today there are some really encouraging signs”, Remco said after the finish.

Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images