Simon Yates stole the show on stage 6 of Paris-Nice, as the 'Race to the Sun' headed to the hills for the first installment in a mountainous three-part climax to the race.
The Orica-Scott rider broke free of a diminished group of GC favourites on the second ascent of the first-category Col de Bourigaille, which topped out with 19km remaining, and stretched out his advantage on the descent.
The stage concluded with a brutally steep 1.3km climb to the finish line, and although Yates' 45-second buffer was eaten into, he held on to take his first victory of the season.
Behind him Sergio Henao, whose Sky teammates had set the pace over the preceding climbs, gained time on his GC rivals, finishing second on the stage some 17 seconds behind Yates, while Richie Porte (BMC), already out of the GC picture, took third. Race leader Julian Alaphilippe (Quick-Step Floors) held onto his yellow jersey with fourth on the stage, helped to the line by teammate Dan Martin, though Henao clawed back 20 seconds and looks dangerous with a summit finish to come on stage 7 tomorrow.
Watch how Yates pulled off his solo feat in the video above, and click here to read our full stage report.
To subscribe to the Cyclingnews video channel, click here.
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1