Carlos Rodriguez was inches away from the win on stage two of Tour de La Provence, after a strong team effort up the Station de Lure.
Rodriguez was just pinched on the line by Matthew Riccitello (Decathlon CMA CGM Team) to take second place, while Brandon Rivera finished third. The two are now in second and third on GC also, with AJ August sixth overall and in the young rider’s jersey.
Victor Langellotti and Laurens De Plus did an excellent job pulling on the front of the peloton over the two ascents up the category three Col de Buire on the 175km stage.
A break of five managed to gain up to three minutes, before being caught at the base of the category one Station de Lure.
Mathis le Berre (TotalEnergies) had a last gasp effort from the break, but was caught with 12km to go. Dorian Godon did a strong effort at the start of the climb, before peeling off and allowing August to show his climbing prowess.
August set a blistering pace up the climb, swapping briefly with sprinter Axel Laurance, before taking the helm and accelerating again with 6km remaining. August did a huge effort to splinter the peloton to just 11 riders before peeling off with 5km remaining.
Brandon Rivera continued to set a great pace, reducing the group to four, before Rodriguez accelerated from the front just inside 4km remaining.
Riccitello caught his wheel, with Rodriguez looking the stronger of the two at the front. Rivera battled just behind with Aurelien Paret-Peintre (Decathlon CMA CGM Team).
A technical finish in icy conditions added obstacles to Rodriguez, with Riccitello opening up the sprint and just taking the win.
Rivera followed in behind, while August crossed the line in sixth.
Speaking afterwards, Rodriguez said:
“It was tricky with the wind. I tried my best and congrats to him [Riccitello]. I couldn’t do more in the end. The conditions were not ideal with all the headwind. It is what it is, and in the end, the smartest won.
“We still have tomorrow, and it was close in the end. Now I’m dying to recover and focus to give our best for tomorrow.
“First race back, getting the feeling, I’m obviously disappointed to not get the victory but I need to be happy and grateful for all the team for their work, for believing in me, and I’ll keep working and keep fighting tomorrow. The results will eventually come.”