The primary main take a look at for the GC contenders on the Critérium du Dauphiné got here on stage 6 end on the ultimate climbs, resulting in a dynamic finale that shook up the final classification. Whereas the pre-race favourites Tadej Pogačar (UAE Crew Emirates-XRG) and Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) battled to take the yellow jersey, then on the shoulders of Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quickstep), Florian Lipowitz climbed at his personal tempo to complete a powerful third, taking up the white jersey from in a single day race chief Evenepoel as the very best younger rider.
The Purple Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe rider confirmed that his efficiency was not a fluke on Saturday’s stage 7, with practically 5000 metres of climbing over 131.6km of racing. Lipowitz (24) stayed in the principle peloton because it thinned out over the primary two ascents of Col de la Madeleine and Col de la Croix de Fer, positioning himself for the anticipated GC showdown on the ultimate climb of Valmeinier 1800 to the end line.
As anticipated, race chief Pogačar launched himself on the climb with 12km to go. Behind, Vingegaard and Lipowitz gave chase, however the younger German was pressured to drop off the tempo two kilometres later, settling into his personal rhythm.
“It was a very, actually laborious day once more, We tried to be a bit conservative at first of the race, simply be all the time there, however by no means assault or one thing and wait till the final climb,” Lipowitz advised media together with Biking Professional Web after the stage.
“I attempted, when Pogi went, to comply with Jonas, however I knew actually fast that I’ll explode if I’m going a bit longer after which I attempt to tempo myself. It was nonetheless tremendous laborious to the end, and I used to be more than pleased after I was right here within the end.”
Lipowitz completed third on the stage, crossing the road 1:21 behind winner Pogačar. He held onto third place general, sustaining a 1:50 benefit over Evenepoel in each the GC and the very best younger rider standings.
“Earlier than this stage, I do know that days earlier than I am in a fine condition. However, being there once more on the third place makes me tremendous, tremendous comfortable.”
“I hope to have the identical legs tomorrow. Ending on the rostrum of the Critérium du Dauphiné could be unimaginable however tomorrow is one other actually laborious day,” Lipowitz added to the Dauphiné microphone.
His efficiency was certain to lift the query of his function on the upcoming Tour de France, the place Primož Roglič ought to be the staff chief regardless of the Slovenian having to desert the Giro d’Italia after a number of crashes. For Lipowitz, the plan stays unchanged.
“The plan is to assist him. He is nonetheless the large chief, and I believe he confirmed prior to now that he is tremendous sturdy, and in addition in three weeks, he can race properly. So my major objective will likely be to assist him within the climbs. I believed right here that I am in fine condition and perhaps make a distinction additionally.”
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