Iván Romeo breaks rivals' hearts to claim lead at Criterium du Dauphiné
'I've been thinking about this stage for a month now. I can hardly believe it. It was one of the hardest days of my life, I wasn't feeling well,' said time-trial specialist Romeo. 'But I followed my instincts in the final. It's the best day of the year for me. Hard work pays off.'
It was the second win of the 21-year-old Movistar rider's career, and earned him the yellow leader's jersey on the eve of the first time-trial in this edition of the Dauphiné. Romeo completed the hilly run across the southeast of France in 4hr 34min 10sec. Colombian Astana rider Harold Tejada came in second at 14sec, with Frenchman Louis Barré of Intermarché completing the podium.
The peloton, containing many of the race favourites, rolled in just over a minute later at the end of a day without any major incidents. One of those contenders for the general classification is Red Bull leader Florian Lipowitz – in the absence of last year's winner Primoz Roglic – who did well to slip into the breakaway and come in just outside the podium. The German sits fourth overall, with a 42sec advantage over ninth-placed Tadej Pogacar.
The breakaway formed quickly after the start, and was composed of 13 riders. The first big break came on the Côte du Château Jaune, with its average gradient of more than 9%, situated 19km from the finish. After this final climb, only 10 riders remained amongst the contenders for the stage, and victory seemed to be in the grasp of Van der Poel – the fastest of the bunch.
But Romeo had other ideas, attacking for the first time with 9km remaining before going again and quickly opening up a sizeable gap on the chasing pack.
Wednesday's fourth stage will be a 17.4km time-trial between Charmes-sur-Rhône and Saint-Péray.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
People can finally swim in European city's iconic river after 100-year ban is lifted - but would YOU do it?
The River Seine has officially reopened to the public for swimming for the first time since 1923, marking a major milestone for the French capital. At 8.00am local time on Saturday, 19 July, dozens of swimmers gathered along the banks of the iconic Parisian river and entered the water as part of the historic reopening. The monumental event comes after decades of efforts to clean up the Seine, which had been off-limits to swimmers for over 100 years due to pollution and safety concerns. However, more than £1.2bn was invested into cleaning up the river ahead of last year's Olympic Games, during which open-water swimming and triathlon events were held. Swimming in the Seine was banned in 1923 due to high levels of pollution and the risk of accidents caused by heavy boat traffic. Over the years, multiple plans were put forward to reverse the ban, including a proposal in 1988 by then-mayor and future French president Jacques Chirac who promised Parisians that they would one day swim in the river. Now, it's been fulfilled. Authorities say the water is now safe for public use, with daily testing of bacteria levels and several lifeguard stations at all swimming zones. Speaking to EuroNews, Marc Guillaume, the prefect for the Paris' Ile-de-France region said: 'The water quality is exceptional. 'We are monitoring two bacteria, E. coli and enterococci, and for one we are ten times below the thresholds and for the other more than 25 times below.' There are three designated swimming sites along the river: one near the Eiffel Tower, one close to Notre Dame Cathedral, and one in eastern Paris. Each location includes changing rooms, showers, and beach-style seating areas, accommodating up to 300 people. The swimming areas will be open until 31 August, and access is free during scheduled hours. Entry is allowed for individuals ages 10 or 14 and up, depending on the location. All swimmers must demonstrate basic swimming ability, wear provided flotation rings, and children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Access is granted on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations required. Meanwhile, MailOnline Travel has shared 10 hidden gems to take holidaymakers off the tourist trail in Paris - from an unmissable viaduct 'park' to a secret vineyard. Around 50 million tourists flock to France's capital every year, with crowds heading straight for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Notre-Dame. After Parisians fled the city last summer during the Olympics, many locals hoped it would quieten down after the games were over. But TikTok tourists and programmes like Netflix's Emily in Paris have only made the capital more popular with foreign tourists, which has increased prices in cafés and restaurants and resulted in ridiculously long lines for popular museums and cathedrals. You can avoid being a clichéd tourist, and the queues, by going to these ten hidden gems scouted by MailOnline and recommended by real Parisians.
The Independent
5 hours ago
- The Independent
From France loss to nailbiting knockout wins – England's path to Euro 2025 final
England are through to the final of Euro 2025. Here, the PA news agency looks at their route to Sunday's showpiece in Basel. July 5, Group D: France 2 England 1 The Lionesses' title defence got off to a poor start as goals from Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore in quick succession in the latter stages of the first half put France on course for a deserved win. Keira Walsh's superb late strike did not alter the outcome. July 9, Group D: England 4 Netherlands 0 Lauren James scored twice as a much-improved England got their campaign up and running. Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone also got on the scoresheet in a commanding display that revived hope of reaching the last eight. July 13, Group D: England 6 Wales 1 Sarina Wiegman's side powered into the knockout stages with an emphatic victory that confirmed Wales' elimination. Stanway put them on course with a penalty before Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo made it 4-0 at half-time. Beth Mead and Aggie Beever-Jones added to the tally either side of a Hannah Cain consolation. July 17, Quarter-final: Sweden 2 England 2 (after extra time, won 3-2 on penalties) England survived a nail-biting penalty shoot-out after hauling themselves back from the brink of defeat. Late goals from Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang forced extra time before the drama of an extraordinary spot-kick battle. Just five penalties were scored from 14 taken and Sweden were twice one kick away from victory, but luck was with the Lionesses. July 22, Semi-final: England 2 Italy 1 (after extra time) Again England started slowly and were behind at half-time to Barbara Bonansea's thumping finish after a defensive lapse. Agyemang equalised to force extra time and then hit the bar with a superb lob before fellow substitute Chloe Kelly had a penalty saved but followed up to score.
The Herald Scotland
5 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
From France loss to nailbiting knockout wins – England's path to Euro 2025 final
July 5, Group D: France 2 England 1 England's tournament got off to a bad start (Nick Potts/PA) The Lionesses' title defence got off to a poor start as goals from Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore in quick succession in the latter stages of the first half put France on course for a deserved win. Keira Walsh's superb late strike did not alter the outcome. July 9, Group D: England 4 Netherlands 0 Four goals and three big points at #WEURO2025! 🌟 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 9, 2025 Lauren James scored twice as a much-improved England got their campaign up and running. Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone also got on the scoresheet in a commanding display that revived hope of reaching the last eight. July 13, Group D: England 6 Wales 1 🦁 England turn on the style in 💫#WEURO2025 — UEFA Women's EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 13, 2025 Sarina Wiegman's side powered into the knockout stages with an emphatic victory that confirmed Wales' elimination. Stanway put them on course with a penalty before Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo made it 4-0 at half-time. Beth Mead and Aggie Beever-Jones added to the tally either side of a Hannah Cain consolation. July 17, Quarter-final: Sweden 2 England 2 (after extra time, won 3-2 on penalties) England survived a nail-biting penalty shoot-out after hauling themselves back from the brink of defeat. Late goals from Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang forced extra time before the drama of an extraordinary spot-kick battle. Just five penalties were scored from 14 taken and Sweden were twice one kick away from victory, but luck was with the Lionesses. July 22, Semi-final: England 2 Italy 1 (after extra time) Chloe Kelly, centre, wins the race to score England's winner after having her penalty saved (Nick Potts/PA) Again England started slowly and were behind at half-time to Barbara Bonansea's thumping finish after a defensive lapse. Agyemang equalised to force extra time and then hit the bar with a superb lob before fellow substitute Chloe Kelly had a penalty saved but followed up to score.
