Christophe Laporte (Jumbo-Visma) nipped the last rider of the breakaway, Rune Herregodts (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty), at the finish line on Sunday to win stage 1 of the Critérium du Dauphiné. Matteo Trentin (UAE Team Emirates) was second, while Herregodts held on to third.
The 158km stage began and ended in Chambon-sur-Lac and was comprised of one large loop, followed by three smaller 23 kilometer loops. Classified as a hilly stage, the race was marked by wet weather and some nervous riding.
It was uncertain right up until the final meters whether the peloton would catch Herregodts, who was the last rider remaining of a 5-man breakaway that established itself after the first ten kilometers. The wet roads and twisty descent gave Herregodts an advantage in the final kilometers, but his efforts were undone by the teamwork of Jumbo-Visma who executed a perfect leadout for Laporte.
At the finish Laporte ackowledged the teamwork that made his victory possible. “The last descent was dangerous. But the team kept Jonas and me in the lead. This is an excellent start to the week for the team.”
Results
https://www.procyclingstats.com/race/dauphine/2023/stage-1
Photo Gallery
Photos: A.S.O./Billy Ceusters
