The French cyclist Christophe Laporte won the first stage of the Estrella de Bessegès, on a day in which Egan Bernal and Rigoberto Urán they gave up time when cut into a trap, not involving them, and ended up giving only minor differences. Egan finished 114 to 2 seconds and Urán 115 also to 2 seconds. Generally they are in the same positions throughout the day, but 12 seconds away.
You may be interested: (Egan Bernal and Daniel Martínez already know which big ones they will run).
Laporte, 28 years old and winner of the test in 2019, achieved success with 600 meters to go with an attack that allowed him to raise his arms as the winner, with a time of 3h.14.30, just like his fellow countryman Nacer Bouhanni (Arkea Samsic). The main group came in within 2 seconds with the Danish former world champion on the way Mads Pedersen (Trek Segafredo) in front.
The premiere of the French event that continues until next Sunday was enlivened with a start break with three modest riders: the French Louvet y Delettre and the belgian Paquot, with leave of the pack to reach differences hitting the 9 minutes.
Also read: (You’re done! Falcao appeared and ended the rumors).
There was a reaction from the teams interested in the mass finish, so halfway through the race AG2R and Bora-Hansgrohe they stabilized the adventure in 3 minutes, the rent was less as the finish line approached at the Cota de Le Tour, in Bellegarde. Lotto-Soudal and Cofidis lend a hand to destroy the illusions of the trio of refugees, who were eventually absorbed by the Welcome 10 kilometers from the last line.
The ending invited emotion, because in the latter 600 meters the road rose by 6.3 percent, an obstacle for the fastest men and an invitation for cyclists with a final “punch”.
General regrouping and start of the action protocol for the victory. Advance a section at a frantic pace, unmanageable by the many interests in the battle for the first leader’s jersey.
Also: (The physiotherapist to whom Falcao was entrusted for his repeated injuries).
The last-minute maneuvers forced the Ineos to de Bernal and Geraint Thomas. The illustrious names were spared a fall caused by a “pencil sharpener” that knocked down a handful of runners.
The first nerves of the season. The triumphs are sold dearly in a circle that is still alive with the daily uncertainty caused by the health pandemic. The stage was in the air, unleashed battle in search of position.
The Italian Filippo Ganna (Ineos), world time champion, tightened up the peloton until it was split into different sectors. The last wall remained. Sprinter Nacer Bouhanni was the first to ignite the fuse with an attack that allowed him to take a few meters, but Laporte, very thoughtfully, kicked the wheel.
With the experience gained in this career, Laporte joined his fellow countryman to make the final roster for the win. He attacked 200 meters from the flag and successfully won the fourth stage of the Estrella de Bessegès, the talisman test for the cyclist from La Seyne-sur-Mer. A good season premiere.
Laporte will defend the leader’s jersey with 4 seconds ahead of Bouhanni and 8 seconds over Pedersen in the second stage that takes place this Thursday between Saint-Geniès and La Calmette, of 154.2 kilometers.
EFE