The primary main check 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 on the white jersey from in a single day race chief Evenepoel as the most effective younger rider.
The Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe rider confirmed that his efficiency was not a fluke on Saturday’s stage 7, with almost 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 compelled to drop off the tempo two kilometres later, settling into his personal rhythm.
“It was a very, actually onerous day once more, We tried to be a bit conservative initially 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 Cycling Pro Net after the stage.
“I attempted, when Pogi went, to comply with Jonas, however I knew actually fast that I’ll explode if I am going a bit longer after which I attempt to tempo myself. It was nonetheless tremendous onerous to the end, and I used to be very happy once 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 total, sustaining a 1:50 benefit over Evenepoel in each the GC and the most effective younger rider standings.
“Earlier than this stage, I do know that days earlier than I am in a good condition. However, being there once more on the third place makes me tremendous, tremendous completely happy.”
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“I hope to have the identical legs tomorrow. Ending on the rostrum of the Critérium du Dauphiné can be unbelievable however tomorrow is one other actually onerous day,” Lipowitz added to the Dauphiné microphone.
His efficiency was sure to lift the query of his position on the upcoming Tour de France, the place Primož Roglič ought to be the group 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 feel he confirmed prior to now that he is tremendous robust, and in addition in three weeks, he can race effectively. So my most important aim shall be to assist him within the climbs. I assumed right here that I am in good condition and perhaps make a distinction additionally.”
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