Jasper Stuyven takes his first podium with the Wolfpack after a hectic sprint.
Casper Pedersen made sure of keeping the prestigious polka dot jersey for at least two more stages, after another day in the breakaway. It came as no surprise to see the Dane bolt away and form a small group together with two other riders in the first four kilometers, as a maximum of nine points were available Tuesday afternoon, when the peloton made its way to Montargis, the city nicknamed “The Venice of the Gâtinais”.
The trio managed to establish a maximum gap of two minutes, which was sufficient for Pedersen to claim all three classified climbs on the route before being reeled in by the bunch with approximately 60 kilometers remaining. Despite a late attack that was neutralized by several teams, including Soudal Quick-Step, with 1500 meters to go, it was clear that this stage would culminate in a bunch sprint, and our team was represented there by Jasper Stuyven.
The Belgian, who made his return to competition after an illness had caused him to skip the Opening Weekend, benefitted from a strong lead-out and showed his speed in Montargis, finishing third behind Max Kanter (XDS Astana). It was the Belgian’s first podium in the Soudal Quick-Step jersey, a confidence-boosting result that brought him four bonus seconds, elevating Jasper to fourth on the general classification.
For the second day in a row, Casper went on the podium to take the KOM jersey, which he will now sport during Wednesday’s team time trial: “It was really nice to wear the jersey today, and that’s why I joined the breakaway, because I wanted to fight to keep it. I know that when the big climbs come later in the week, it won’t be mine anymore, but until then, I want to continue enjoying it.”
Photo credit: ©Szymon Gruchalski / Getty Images
