There will therefore always be a Colombian to prevent Julian Alaphilippe from winning the Tour de La Provence.
Last year, the world champion was overtaken by the Colombian Ruben Sosa.
And, this time, it was Nairo Quintana (Arkéa-Samsic) who prevented the Frenchman from raising his arms on the podium installed at the top of the Montagne de Lure.
In the final general classification, Alaphilippe finished second at 27 seconds.
Not sure that the organizers, even if Quintana remains a very good winner, are delighted with the outcome.
They had drawn up an almost tailor-made route for Alaphilippe with this final stage, less difficult than that of Ventoux last year, thinking strongly of him.
STAGE 3 - #TDLP2022
Victory for @NairoQuinCo!!!!!!
The Colombian from @Arkea_Samsic wins at the top of La Lure pic.twitter.com/rPlmHrWMtU
– Tour of Provence (@TourProvenceOFF) February 13, 2022
The French puncher, who initially had a thirty-second lead over the Colombian, therefore had to manage in the final ascent of which only the last kilometers were complicated.
But when Quintana launched hostilities five kilometers from the line, no one wanted to follow him so soon.
Nobody... except Alaphilippe, almost a victim of his offensive character.
The public howled their joy to see him stand up to a climber of Quintana's caliber.
But, in reality, the double world champion should have done like the rest of the favorites and produced his effort later.
Because, after a few hectometres, he completely broke down and let Quintana slip away towards the stage victory-final success double.
“I did not expect to be at this level”
“In terms of management, I did better, recognizes the favorite runner of the French.
This climb suited me quite well with a linear effort where it was rolling very fast.
The small mistake is when I wanted to follow Quintana.
I should have stayed in my tempo more and waited until the last moment.
I completely exploded in the last kilometers.
I believe it happened.
But Quintana was the strongest, so no regrets.
I am nevertheless happy.
I tested myself and enjoyed myself.
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Still, Alaphilippe had not lined up thinking of offering himself a first success in Provence.
Coming in search of sensations and insurance after a preparation truncated by a virus, he prefers to be positive.
“I remain satisfied with this first race.
Honestly, I did not expect to be at this level.
I hope it will continue in the right direction.
The bigger goals are coming in a few weeks.
Now, I'm taking a few days off to continue on the classics of Drôme Ardèche then the Italian bouldering with the Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico and Milan-San Remo.
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