Route d'Occitanie: Michael Woods climbs to victory on stage 3 and takes GC lead

By published

Carlos Rodriguez salvages second place on queen stage

Image 1 of 14
Michael Woods (Israel-Premier Tech) wins stage 3 and takes over GC lead (Image credit: Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)
Image 1 of 14

Michael Woods (Israel-Premier Tech) won stage 3 of La Route d’Occitanie, kicking away from Carlos Rodriguez (Ineos Grenadiers) on the mountaintop finish of Les Angles.

The duo broke free from a 12-rider group on the climb of Col de Hares, the fourth of five categorised climbs on the queen stage, Rodriguez leading the charge with 20km to go and Woods following. Nairo Quintana (Arkéa-Samsic) tried to follow but could not stay on the wheels of the twosome.

Along the final 2.7 kilometres on the steep Balcère climb to Les Angles, seven riders battled to reach the front. Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) accelerated in a final effort but was soon caught by Jesus Herrada (Cofidis) and as a pair they had a struggling Rodriguez in their sights with 500 metres to go. Finishing on second behind Rodriguez, Herrada surged across the line ahead of Valverde for the final podium spot.

Woods takes over the red leader’s jersey, taking 1:16 advantage over Rodriguez and another five seconds over Herrada into the final day of racing on Sunday. The Canadian also scooped up the points and climbing classification leads after the stage win.

Results powered by FirstCycling (opens in new tab)

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

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

Cyclingnews

Cyclingnews is the world's leader in English-language coverage of professional cycling. Started in 1995 by University of Newcastle professor Bill Mitchell, the site was one of the first to provide breaking news and results over the internet in English. The site was purchased by Knapp Communications in 1999, and owner Gerard Knapp built it into the definitive voice of pro cycling. Since then, major publishing house Future PLC has owned the site and expanded it to include top features, news, results, photos and tech reporting. The site continues to be the most comprehensive and authoritative English voice in professional cycling.

Latest on Cyclingnews