On paper not the hardest stage, the riders made it a brutal one. The first uphill part was a perfect launch pad for attacks and several groups tried to go clear from the bunch. But it took over 100km until six riders distanced themselves from the peloton. On the last climb with about 20km remaining the group was caught and M. Soler gave it a go, later countered by R. Evenepoel and P. Roglic. These actions made the first bunch quite small with several BORA – hansgrohe riders in. When the front duo was caught it was Ide Schelling who contested the sprint for the German squad on finally crossed the line in 3rd place, while after a thrilling day K. Groves took the sprint from a heavily reduced bunch.
Results
01 K. Groves 3:50:32
02 B. Coquuard +0:00
03 I. Schelling +0:00
08 P. Konrad +0:00
From the finish line
„It was a really hard day. Actually, a battle until 10km to go. The sprint than wasn’t too easy as nobody really controlled. I was a little back but found Koni with 700m to go and we hit the front then. Unfortunately, Kaden pushed me a little and therefore I was in the wind too early. Still, I think we can be happy with the result.“ – Ide Schelling
„We were fully committed to a sprint with Ide the whole day. Frederik did an amazing job to control the beginning even it was quite chaotic. We didn’t do any crazy moves and just waited for the sprint from the reduced bunch. Unfortunately, some real sprinters made it over the last climb and of course it is very difficult for Ide then. But Koni did a good lead-out and Ide a strong sprint to finish 3rd. We are happy with this result.“ – Christian Pömer, Sports Director