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 overall classification. Whereas the pre-race favourites Tadej Pogačar (UAE Workforce 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 one of the best younger rider.
The Purple 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 primary 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.
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“It was a very, actually exhausting 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 Biking Professional Internet after the stage.
“I attempted, when Pogi went, to observe 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 exhausting 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 general, sustaining a 1:50 benefit over Evenepoel in each the GC and one of the 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 joyful.”
“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 exhausting day,” Lipowitz added to the Dauphiné microphone.
His efficiency was certain to boost the query of his position on the upcoming Tour de France, the place Primož Roglič needs to be the crew 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 massive chief, and I believe he confirmed up to now that he is tremendous sturdy, and in addition in three weeks, he can race effectively. So my essential aim shall be to assist him within the climbs. I assumed right here that I am in fine condition and possibly make a distinction additionally.”
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