Quintana wins the Route du Sud

Arnaud Demare (FDJ) won the final stage at the Route du Sud on Sunday, edging Yohann Gene in a bunch kick in Astarac Arros en Gascogne. Movistar's Nairo Quintana finished safely in the bunch to secure the overall win, followed by teammate and stage 4 winner Marc Soler. Hugh Carthy (Caja Rural - Seguros RGA), who rode onto the podium with a third-place finish during stage 4, crashed during Sunday's stage and slipped off the final podium.

"It's a very important victory. I was coming into this event following long weeks of training in atlitude at home in Colombia, and I could confirm I'm in good form. Legs have gone as usual for me in the mountains and it seems obvious that I’ve improved quite a bit into the time trial," Quintana said.

"The team did really well: great job from them from the beginning to the end of the race, crowning it today after a mountain stage where they rode fantastically, including Marc's win. Both victories in the race -this overall win I confirmed today and my first success in 2012- have been really significant into my sporting career and for my preparations for the Tour. Reaching the 'Grande Boucle' this way feels really good."

The win is Quintana's third of the season, following his Tour de Romandie triumph last month and Volta Ciclista a Catalunya win in March, and final race before July's Tour de France where the 26-year-old is aiming to be become the first Colombian winner. Quintana has finished second overall on his two previous appearances.

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