Rohan Dennis (BMC) crossed the line second in Marseille today to secure overall victory in Tour La Provence.
The last stage started with four riders, including Dennis, on the same time on the General Classification, and a large group of riders only four seconds back.
Into the final 20km of the race, fireworks quickly started, and with just seconds separating himself from the overall lead, Mattia Cattaneo (Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec) launched a late challenge on the final climb into Marseille.
BMC reacted quickly with Brent Bookwalter going on the offense however with only two kilometers remaining of the race, Cattaneo had extended a lead of 25 seconds over the chasers.
While that would prove to be enough to take the stage victory, a determined Dennis dug deep to cross the line just two seconds behind the Italian rider and secure victory on the General Classification by the same margin.
“I am really happy with the form I have shown here and of course, to take the win. Normally I am not in the best condition at the early races in Europe, so this race has definitely been a big confidence boost for what’s to come over the rest of the season”, said Dennis.
Tour La Provence 2017 – stage 3 results (Aix-en-Provence – Marseille):
| 1 | Mattia Cattaneo (Androni – Sidermec) | 4:05:17 |
| 2 | Rohan Dennis (BMC) | +02” |
| 3 | Jonathan Hivert (Direct Energie) | ,, |
| 4 | Alexandre Geniez (AG2R) | +06” |
| 5 | Julien El Fares (Delko Marseille Provence KTM) | +09” |
| 6 | Damiano Caruso (BMC) | +11” |
| 7 | Anthony Roux (FDJ) | ,, |
| 8 | Jules Roueil (France) | ,, |
| 9 | Nicolas Edet (Cofidis) | ,, |
| 10 | Maxime Bouet (Fortuneo – Vital Concept) | ,, |
Final general classification:
| 1 | Rohan Dennis (BMC) | 12:55:14 |
| 2 | Mattia Cattaneo (Androni – Sidermec) | +02” |
| 3 | Alexandre Geniez (AG2R) | +04” |
| 4 | Jonathan Hivert (Direct Energie) | ,, |
| 5 | Nicolas Edet (Cofidis) | +09” |
| 6 | Julien El Fares (Delko Marseille Provence KTM) | +11” |
| 7 | Justin Jules (WB Veranclassic Aqua Protect) | +13” |
| 8 | Anthony Maldonado (HP BTP – Auber93) | ,, |
| 9 | Damiano Carus0 (BMC) | ,, |
| 10 | Maxime Bouet (Fortuneo – Vital Concept) | ,, |
