Cyclingflash
Milan Fretin edges out Christophe Laporte in Ruta del Sol

Milan Fretin edges out Christophe Laporte in Ruta del Sol

Milan Fretin has won the third stage of the Ruta del Sol. The Belgian rider from Cofidis managed to edge his wheel just ahead of Paul Penhoët and Christophe Laporte in the final meters of the stage. Ivan Romeo remains the race leader.

What kind of stage was on the program?
On Friday, the Ruta del Sol featured a hilly stage from Jáen to Lopera. In the 181-kilometer stage, approximately 2,000 meters of elevation had to be tackled. The climb of Alto de Peñallana, located seventy kilometers from the finish, was the last major challenge.

Who was in the early breakaway?
An early break that included Josh Burnett, Samuel Florez, Giosue Epis, and Nicolas Alustiza made a brave attempt to stay away from the peloton, but they were reeled in during the last fifteen kilometers by a chasing peloton.

How did the finale unfold?
After the break was caught, Visma | Lease a Bike took control of the peloton, working for team leader Christophe Laporte. In the final kilometers, Visma | Lease a Bike's lead-out train faced competition from UAE Emirates XRG, after which Jan Christen launched an attack 900 meters from the finish.

In the final 600 meters, Visma | Lease a Bike managed to regain order with Filippo Fiorelli and Axel Zingle, allowing Laporte to start the sprint in Lopera. However, in the last meters, the Frenchman had to yield to Milan Fretin. Paul Penhoët also succeeded in passing Laporte.