As in 2020, he brings the leader's black Mondrian jersey back to his native Andes, ahead of the French world champion Julian Alaphilippe (Quick-Step) and the Dane Mattias Skjelmose Jensen (Trek-Segafredo).

During this final day of 166.1 km in the Pre-Alps between Manosque and this "little Ventoux", the Condor de Combita, well launched by its French teammates Nicolas Edet and Maxime Bouet, spread its wings in the final ascent (13 .4 km at 6.74%), 4.5 kilometers from the line.

Only Alaphilippe tried to hang on, before exploding (7th at 47 seconds).

"In terms of management, I did better," regretted Alaphilippe.

"I'm not happy. This climb suited me well because it was linear and fast. The small mistake was to have followed Quintana", admitted the reigning double world champion, who was making his comeback.

"I should have stayed in my tempo and waited until the last moment. I tested myself, I completely exploded in the last kilometers and it showed," continued the Frenchman.

Quintana "proud and happy"

He leaves Provence with second place overall, like last year: "Honestly, I did not expect to be there. The more important objectives arrive in a few weeks. After a few days of recovery, I will attack the classics with the Boucles Drôme-Ardèche, then the Italian block with the Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico and Milan-San Remo".

The Colombian Nairo Quintana, in the climb to Andorra-La-Veille on the Tour de France on July 11, 2021, won that of Provence Thomas SAMSON AFP / Archives

The form and the sensations are also there for Nairo Quintana.

Comfortable since Berre's prologue on Thursday, the Colombian was 10th 32 seconds behind Filippo Ganna (Ineos) on Sunday morning.

He waited for his favorite ground to regain the missing time, relegating the Dane Mattias Skjelmose Jensen (Trek) and the American Matteo Jorgenson (Movistar) to more than thirty seconds.

The winner of the Giro 2014 and the Vuelta 2016 becomes the first double winner of the event (2020, 2022).

"I am proud and happy," said the phlegmatic Andean climber.

"Me and my team, we are in good condition but it's only the first race of the year".

As for Ganna, wearing the leader's jersey since Thursday, he limited the damage in the Lure mountain.

The Italian rider could be happy with his 7th place overall, but he was disqualified for "changing his bike other than by the team vehicle".

© 2022 AFP