In the heat of the south of France, the runners of Occitanie's road had to make a big piece for the 3rd stage. With the ascent of the terrible and no less legendary Col du Tourmalet (17 km at 7.4 %) which preceded the climb of Luz Ardiden (13.3 km at 7.4 %), there was no doubt that this step was going to shake up the general classification, always dominated by Raul Garcia leg (Arkéa-B & B Hotels). And, released in the ascent of the Tourmalet, the Spaniard had to leave his ambitions of general classification to the pure climbers present on the French roads. The one who benefits is Nicolas Prodhomme (Decathlon Ag2r La Mondiale) which, after its successes on the Alps Tour and on the Italian Tourwins again with an advance of more than 2 minutes, largely sufficient to also take the lead in the general classification, the day before the arrival.
Video – Nicolas Prodhomme does not stop winning
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Nicolas Prodhomme disgusted Davide Piganzoli and Steff Cras Dans Light Ardiden
The morning escape took nearly 20km to form to finally include runners such as Sander de Pestel (Decathlon Ag2r La Mondiale) or Alex Diaz (Caja Rural – Seguros RGA), already at the forefront. Despite a good lead, the fugitives could not resist the return of the peloton, led to the Tourmalet by the EF Education EasyPost of Jefferson Cepedawhose rhythm was fatal in the yellow jersey of Raul Garcia leg. Passed alone at the top of the Tourmalet, Davide Piganzoli (Team Polti Visitmalta) started the final ascent with about twenty seconds ahead of a group from which Steff Cras (Totalnergies) and Nicolas Prodhomme (Decathlon Ag2r La Mondiale). The Frenchman finally turned out to be the strongest to come back, then distance Purchase And win his third success this year, while taking control of the general classification.
