Fayence (France) (AFP)
The experienced Canadian puncher Michael Woods (Israel Start-Up Nation) took power in the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var cyclist on Saturday thanks to his victory in the second stage run around Fayence (Var).
At the top of the Tourrettes-Fayence wall, after 168.9 kilometers of effort, he beat the Dutchman Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo), winner on Friday in Gourdon (Alpes-Maritimes), by two seconds, just enough for the dispossess the leader's mimosa jersey.
Ecuadorian Jhonatan Narvaez (Ineos Grenadiers) completed the day's podium.
To hope to win on Saturday, you had to meet two conditions: have some punch and be well placed at the foot of the final climb, a one kilometer wall with 12% average slope, with passages at 25%.
"It requires an effort similar to that in the wall of Huy on the Flèche Wallonne", estimated Woods, 3rd in the Ardennes classic in 2020, before the start.
The 34-year-old Canadian honed his plan during the first climb of the wall, 34 kilometers from goal.
"I thought the right place to attack was at 300 meters. On a climb like that, for about 200 meters, it's very hard to follow me."
He dropped the favorites one by one just after an attack from the Frenchman Alexis Vuillermoz (Total Direct Energie, 5th).
Sunday, the 3rd and last stage revolves around Blausasc (Alpes-Maritimes) for only 134.7 km but with the ascent of three first category passes including that of Madone de Gorbio, 24 kilometers from the finish.
However, only thirteen seconds separate the first nineteen of the general classification.
"It will be a beautiful mountain stage with beautiful descents. The terrain, more conducive to attacks, will be to our advantage," said David Gaudu.
The Breton climber, third 7 seconds behind Woods, is only the first of the four aces of Groupama-FDJ, who can always count on Rudy Molard (4th), Valentin Madouas (8th) and Thibaut Pinot (12th).
As for the defending champion, the Colombian Nairo Quintana (Arkea-Samsic, 10th), he has not yet abdicated.
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