Express integration: Nairo Quintana crushed the competition on the slopes of Mont Ventoux and signed his first victory on Saturday under the colors of his new Arkéa-Samsic team during the 3rd stage of the Tour de La Provence. The Colombian stored Thibaut Pinot (9th) in more than two minutes.
New leader in the general classification, ahead of the surprising Russian champion Aleksandr Vlasov, relegated to a minute, the Colombian is in a position of strength to offer himself the final victory in Aix on Sunday at the end of a much less uneven last stage.
Feliz por mi primera victoria con mi equipo @Arkea_Samsic, gracias a mis compañeros por el trabajo hecho y mis seguidores por apoyarme siempre. pic.twitter.com/hz1Hgs8LFQ
- NairoQuinCo (@NairoQuinCo) February 15, 2020It would already be the fourth bouquet for Arkéa-Samsic in 2020, a total close to its balance sheet last year ... Throughout the season (5). Of course, the truth of winter does not always resist the first showers announcing the major events of the cycling season. But this success brings "happiness and confidence," appreciated Nairo Quintana on Saturday, after several seasons of tense cohabitation with the other leaders of Movistar. "What is very important for Nairo is that he finds a smile," confirmed the manager of his new Breton team, Emmanuel Hubert.
Nothing serious for "Tibopino"
Without reaction to the flight of Nairo Quintana more than 7 kilometers from the finish at Chalet Reynard, Thibaut Pinot found that he had "more work to do". “We came across really stronger today, an Imperial Quintana. We are in our place, there is no excuse, "assumed the unfortunate hero of the last Tour de France, without dwelling on the" stomach ache "he had felt the day before.
Nothing to worry about the Franc-Comtois at this stage of the season: its first goal, Paris-Nice is in three weeks. Not to mention that Nairo Quintana experienced a slightly earlier recovery since he participated from January 30 in the Colombian championships. “Each runner is different, already cleared the French climber of the Groupama-FDJ before the start. I was already good in February and not good in July. "
💬 "It's not dramatic because we know where we are, and we know that over the weeks, our group will progress".
Philippe Mauduit remains measured after the Mont Ventoux stage on the #TourDeLaProvence
To read here 👉 https://t.co/sc2qsyYsAk
📸 Sirotti pic.twitter.com/Rj63gcSFGI
Perhaps also that his very premature end of the season, with the tear linked to his retirement from the Tour de France, handicapped him during this recovery. "My break was longer than in other years and it took me a little longer to find good sensations," admitted the triple stage winner on the Tour. Next test in a week, on the Tour of the Alpes-Maritimes and Var, which will also offer relief.
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Tour de La Provence: “The page is turned”… How Thibaut Pinot and the FDJ prepared the season after
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