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Wout van Aert throws his arms up, but to his left is David Gaudu with his nose in front
Photo:
MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP
French professional cyclist David Gaudu has won the third stage of the Dauphiné.
After the final ascent of the 169-kilometer stage from Saint-Paulien to Chastreix-Sancy, the 25-year-old from Team Groupama-FDJ came out on top in the sprint just ahead of Belgian top star Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma), putting himself on top second place overall.
Shortly before the finish line, van Aert had raised his arms in celebration, only a few moments later his hands went to his face - Gaudu was lying with a tip of his nose in front of him.
“I have no words for that.
Hopefully that doesn't happen to me again," said van Aert, who, according to his own statements, had never sprinted to the finish line like this before: "It feels painful." He had the confidence to win, but then pushed himself to the left Gaudu past him.
The scene in the video:
Van
Aert but overall in front
Despite missing out on the day's win, 27-year-old van Aert has regained the overall lead at the Tour of France.
The Olympic silver medalist had already worn the yellow jersey on the second stage after his opening victory.
The best German was Simon Geschke (Cofidis) from Berlin, who crossed the finish line in 37th place, 42 seconds behind.
In the fourth stage on Wednesday, a 31.9-kilometer individual time trial from Montbrison to La Batie d'Urfe awaits the field of riders.
Many top riders, such as three-time Vuelta winner Primoz Roglic (Slovenia/Jumbo-Visma), use the hilly Dauphiné as a test run for the Tour de France, which begins on July 1 in Copenhagen.
jan/dpa