Ecuadorian Champion Jhonatan Narvaez (Quick Step Floors) notched up his best result since turning pro when he finished the tough Drôme Classic in second position on Sunday.
Rémi Cavagna instigated the break of the day, after launching a powerful attack soon after the flag went down in Livron and pulling four other riders with him in that move.
Inside the final 60 kilometres, Cavagna surged clear from that group and maintained a 2:30-gap over the thinned out peloton, which reabsorbed him with 25 kilometres to go, on Col de la Grande Limite, where a series of attacks reduced the bunch to a slender group of just 30 riders.
From that group, Luxembourg Champion Bob Jungels powered ahead on the descent from Côte des Roberts, dragging Jhonatan Narvaez and Lilian Calmejane (Direct Energie) as the trio quickly put 20 seconds between them and the over favourites.
Giro d’Italia double white jersey winner Jungels set a strong pace sacrificing himself for his teammate to extend the advantage over the chasers on Mur d’Allex and Côte de Haut Livron, where Calmejane jumped from his wheel. Narvaez didn’t waste any time and responded, but on the tricky downhill to the line he was distanced by the Frenchman, who soloed to the win.
“It was an interesting and demanding route in France, but very cold and most of the riders suffered for that,” said Narvaez. “I felt good from the beginning, but the race was wearing me out in the end. Bob did a great job for me and I want to thank him for that, having a rider of his stature working for me was really incredible.
“Unfortunately, Calmejane proved too strong and denied us the top spot on the podium. It was my first European race in ten months and I leave with a good feeling though, really motivated to continue working towards my maiden pro victory and more success with the team.”
