Critérium du Dauphiné

Mikel Landa produced another strong effort on a brutal mountain stage – just like he did several times in March, at the Volta a Catalunya – incidentally, the toughest day of racing at this year’s, which featured four classified ascents: Col des Saisies, Côte d'Arâches, Col de la Ramaz and Samoëns 1600.

Soudal Quick-Step’s experienced Basque started the day in 13th overall, but thanks to his valiant ride on the final climb, averaging an insane 9.3% over 10 kilometers, he made a jump of three places, which means he’ll start the last day of competition in tenth place. Landa tapped out a good rhythm on Samoëns 1600, an ascent which was used for the first time at the Critérium du Dauphiné, staying with the yellow jersey group until one kilometer to go and concluding in the top ten for another impressive result this season.

“We agreed before the stage that if I would feel better then I will try to go as far as possible and see how things go. I still miss a bit after that injury, which was obvious in the closing kilometer, but I’m on the right track for the Tour de France. I am quite happy with this result and I hope to have the same good legs also on Sunday”, Mikel explained at the finish.

It wasn’t an easy day for Remco Evenepoel, but the stage 4 winner was upbeat after the stage, despite moving down to sixth in the overall ranking after being distanced from the peloton with seven kilometers to go: “I need this race to improve and build my shape, so that’s why I’m here. It’s good for my form and for my head to suffer and to face these kinds of challenges. I knew before the climb that I would get dropped there and lose some positions in the standings, so it is how it is. I am glad for Mikel, he rode a strong race and gained some places on the general classification. I will see how I feel on Sunday and what we can do.”

Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images