In a stage shortened by about forty kilometers, it was Australian Michael Storer who claimed victory on the snowy roads of Auron. Â
After a week of effort, the peloton of the race to the sun stops over in the Alpes-Maritimes. Departing from Nice, there were still 127 riders in the race after a wave of non-starters, mostly sprinters who had nothing left to play for. Several withdrawals are to be noted today. The first concerns Alexander Kristoff among the sprinters. The second, however, was not planned as it involved the third in the general classification, Mattias Skjelmose. The Danish rider suffered a crash just over 50 km from the finish caused by a central reservation. A significant loss for the race as he seemed the most likely to disrupt the established order ahead of him.
This event likely benefited the escapees. Besides the fact that the stage was significantly shortened as announced yesterday, the 15 riders in the breakaway had a real opportunity to seize. In very difficult conditions with temperatures ranging between 0 and 11°C and rainy intervals, the riders endured another (short) grueling day.
The escapees seized their chance
The lack of interest in the general classification did not push the teams of favorites to make significant efforts to contest for the stage victory, so it was the escapees who led the charge up to the arrival at Auron. In this group, several men had chances to raise their arms at the snowy summit of the final challenge. Georg Steinhauser (EF Education EasyPost), Mauro Schmid (Jayco AlUla), Neilson Powless, and Michael Storer (Tudor Pro Cycling). The latter was best placed in the general classification among the escapees.
From the first slopes towards Isola 2000, the trend quickly became clear. Mauro Schmid and Michael Storer stood out from the rest. Four kilometers from the finish, the duo isolated themselves at the front of the race to compete for victory. But the duel was short-lived as the Swiss champion yielded to the relentless pace of Michael Storer, victorious in this 7th stage.
Behind, Lenny Martinez (Barhein Victorius), seeking redemption after his disastrous day yesterday, launched the hostilities in the yellow jersey group. The Cannois was accompanied by Félix Gall (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale). Unfortunately struggling in these harsh conditions, the Azuréen could not keep up and finished the stage in 7th place. A reassuring performance ahead of tomorrow, which is expected to be more favorable.
In the general classification, Mattéo Jorgenson (Visma Lise a Bike) retains his lead overall ahead of Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe), who managed to gain a few seconds at the line. Thymen Arensman completes the podium ahead of stage winner Michael Storer.Â
