Yesterday’s final stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné saw a remarkable day of racing. Danish rider Jakob Fuglsang (Astana) conquered the stage and the general classification, taking over the yellow jersey from Richie Porte (BMC Racing).
The attacks went from early on with a large group going clear. However, the last of this lead group to stay out front – Tony Gallopin (Lotto-Soudal) – was reeled in on La Clusaz. At kilometre 70, dangermen Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and Fabio Aru (Astana) then made a move.
Soon after, Chris Froome (Team Sky) also attacked just before the summit of the Col de la Colombière and distanced Porte. More of the race favourites joined Froome as Porte chased behind.
These chasers caught Aru and Valverde with 10 kms to go and it looked like Porte who was still chasing might be reducing his deficit and saving his race lead. However, Fuglsang followed an attack by Dan Martin (Quick Step Floors) on the final climb to Plateau de Solaison before the Dane went clear alone.
The final climb became a virtual time-trial as Porte tried to hang on to yellow, but Fuglsang who trailed Porte by 1’15” going into the stage just about did enough to win overall by 10″ from the Australian.
Jakob Fuglsang: “It has been incredible, since the start everyone attacked the Yellow Jersey – commented Fuglsang – we tried to do the same tactic of the BMC… the Porte remained alone and there was a big confusion at the front until Fabio attacked and at the point the other teams has to work to close the gap.”
“I took a big advantage from this situation and when in the final Martin attacked, I had the legs to follow him and I did. Honestly I couldn’t believe that all of this was happening: I’m super super happy this is just great!”.
Here are highlights from the stage:
Here is a summary of the action from the entire week.
