This Sunday was the departure of Switzerland Tourthe other major stages race in June with the Dauphiné criteriumwhich also serves as an ideal preparation before Tour de France in July. The journey of this first step did not present big reliefs, but it was however the important breakaway of the day that managed to compete for the victory. After a huge fight in the last kilometers, it's French Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ) who won, in front of his compatriot Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B & B Hotels) and the Dutchman Bart Lemmen (Team Visma | Lease a Bike). Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor Pro Cycling Team), after a huge job all day, ends at the foot of the podium. Romain Grégoire Take advantage of this inaugural victory to seize the leading yellow jersey.
Video – Julian Alaphilippe went close to the victory
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The summary of the race:
After a huge battle in the first kilometers following the departure of Küssnacht, 28 runners were the breakaway of the day, including the presence of Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor Pro Cycling Team), Ben O’Connor (Jayco-simple), Matej Mohoric (Bahrain Victorious) or Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ). Despite the peloton's efforts to control this escape, the leading men were never reviewed again and were able to play the final victory in the last 20 kilometers. And it is Julian Alaphilippe Who launched hostilities in the final climb, a 2nd category neck located about fifteen kilometers from the finish.
Only followed by Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels), Bart Lemmen (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) et Romain Grégoirehe made it possible to explode the lead group. In the descent, it is Romain Grégoire who managed to make a difference by taking ten seconds ahead of his three pursuers, while Julian Alaphilippe showed signs of weakness. In the last kilometers, Grégoire has continued to dig the gap and finally won 20 seconds ahead of Kévin Vauquelin et Bart Lemmen. The Frenchman doubles and also seizes the leading yellow jersey.
