The explanation took place between the three leaders of the general classification of Paris-Nice. Tadej Pogacar (UAE), David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) and Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) fought a great battle at the top of the Col de la Couillole, which turned to the advantage of the first city. In the tough physically, the Slovenian however left no chance to his opponents in the sprint.
After this success on the queen stage, the UAE rider consolidates his place as overall leader. He now has a twelve-second lead over Frenchman David Gaudu before the last stage on Sunday in Nice. But the winner of the Tour de France 2020 and 2021 admitted his difficulties after the race. “It’s my first difficult day this year. It went very quickly from the start, it was hot. Everyone was pumped as they approached the final climb. It was quite early to attack 5 kilometers from the top, but there were still a lot of riders up front. In the end, it ends well for me, ”he confided to the microphone of France Télévisions.
The fight between Tadej Pogačar, David Gaudu and Jonas Vingegaard had started 6 kilometers before the finish. The three riders were riding in the lead and had created a gap with the others. They multiplied the changes of rhythm to gauge each other. After an attack by David Gaudu 2.4 kilometers from the end, Jonas Vingegaard let go for the first time. The Dane managed to come back and started the sprint. He was easily outdistanced by his two competitors.
Pogacar takes an option
If he hung on for a long time, David Gaudu ended up giving in to the sprint in front of the yellow jersey. The Frenchman, however, seemed fresher and led the leading group. Tadej Pogacar took an option on the final victory, but the Slovenian leader knows that everything is not over. “Tomorrow will be tough again, perhaps the toughest stage of Paris-Nice. But the climbs suit me better. I will be in a defensive position. »
The day was also marked by the abandonment of the green jersey, Mads Pedersen. Sick, the Danish rider from Trek-Segafredo threw in the towel after an hour of racing. On the French side, Romain Bardet (Team DSM) finished seventh, 30 seconds behind the winner. Pavel Sivakov (Ineos Grenadiers) finished eighth (at 38 seconds) and Pierre Latour (TotalEnergies) tenth (at 53 seconds).
