New sprint on the Germany… and a controversy! Indeed, Danny van Poppel imposed itself in the streets of Kassel on this 3rd stage. Problem, the Dutchman of the Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe was the author of a dangerous movement in the last 200 meters, obliging Matthew Brennan (Visma | lease a bike) to brake and abandon any chance of victory. While pure sprinters as Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) were distanced earlier in the stage, they are ultimately Soren Waerenskjold (Uno-X Mobility) et Emilien Jeannière (Totalnergies) which took the 2nd and 3rd places. A few minutes later, Van Poppel was finally downgraded, Waijerkjold is therefore essential! The Norwegian keeps the head of the general classification, with 10 “ahead of Jhonatan Narvaez (UAE Team Emirates XRG).
VIDEO – The day before, Jhonatan Narvaez had won the 2nd stage
The summary
Marco Haller (Tudor), Jannik Steimle (Q36.5) and Enzo Leijnse (Picnic Postnl) form the breakaway of the day during this important stage, where the latest attacks are expected for the general classification. The pace is high, several offensives occur and sprinters like Jonathan Milan (Lidl-trek) et Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain Victorious) are released, while Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck) abandons the race. While a massive sprint is first envisaged, the high speed and the intermediate man -in -man sprint makes this scenario impossible in Kassel. The breakaway is resumed 83 kilometers from the finish, but the pace does not weaken. A very fast implementation leads to the foot of the final coast, 3 kilometers from the goal. The rising, technical and demanding sprint, sees Jhonatan Narvaez (UAE Team Emirates XRG) exceed the leader Soren Waerenskjold (UNO-X Mobility) in the last meters, which allows it to equalize in time and to temporarily take the head. Waijerkjold replica immediately, but Wout van Aert resume the attack and control for Matthew Brennan (Visma | Lease a Bike).
In the final packaging, Van Aert makes a perfect launch and Danny van Poppel stands out. His sprint, deemed disruptive for Matthew Brennanhowever, cost him the victory. Waijerkjold is therefore essential and recovers the leader jersey, whileEmilien Jeannière (Totalnergies) takes 2nd place, in front of Samuel Watson (INEOS Grenadiers).
