photo credits @ Le Tour/ASO
Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) claimed the overall title in this year’s Critérium du Dauphiné today, while fellow Briton Adam Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) won the final 136 kilometer stage from Moûtiers to Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc.
After attacking several times during today’s stage, Yates managed to overtake Daniel Navarro Garcia (Cofidis, Solutions Credits Navarro) on the last curve of the final climb to Saint-Gervais during the closing 50 meters to seize the stage victory.
Navarro finished second, four seconds back, while Romain Bardet (AG2R La Mondiale) completed the podium, nine seconds off the pace.
In the meantime, Thomas suffered greatly during the final kilometer of today’s grueling stage which featured three punishing climbs.
But, despite finishing in 5th place, it was enough for the Welsh rider, who experienced two punctures in today’s stage, to maintain his grip on the leader’s jersey with a one-minute lead over Yates in the final classification.
Race Highlights
A small breakaway group of six riders succeeded in escaping early on in the stage.
Julian Alaphilippe (Quick-Step Floors) tried to escape from the front group along the final descent, but was soon caught at the start of the next and final climb.
With 11 kilometers to go, David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) initiated another attack, subsequently opening up a slight gap for himself.
Behind the French rider, a chase effort containing Thomas, Adam Yates, Romain Bardet (AG2R La Mondiale) and Tao Geoghegan Hart (Sky) caught the remaining escapees.
With six kilometers remaining, Navarro and Pierre Rolland (EF Education First-Drapac p/b Cannondale) successfully reeled in Gaudu, while Navarro set-off alone.
With under 3 kilometers to go, Bora-hansgrohe’s Emanuel Buchmann commenced an attack, which was quickly marked by Dan Martin (UAE-Team Emirates).
But, the Irish rider was soon caught and overtaken by Bardet, while Thomas and Yates stayed at his wheel until they caught Buchmann.
During the final kilometer, Bardet launched another attack, taking Yates along with him, while Thomas joined them moments later.
Yates made his winning move during the closing meters, catching Navarro to claim the stage honors.
Meanwhile, Thomas crossed the finish line 19 seconds later, which was enough for the Team Sky rider to secure the overall victory.
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