Quintana conquers Pyrenees at Route du Sud

After winning in the Alps last Saturday at the Critérium du Dauphiné, Nairo Quintana (Movistar) underlined his recent run of fine form by triumphing in the Pyrenees at the on stage 3 of the Route du Sud and moving into the overall lead for good measure.

The talented Colombian made his move on the final climb of Spandelles, but he was to the fore on the Col du Tourmalet as the reduced peloton swept up the day’s early break and he reached the summit in the company of his teammate Sergio Pardilla, Kenny Elissonde (FDJ BigMat), Anthony Charteau, Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) and Hubert Dupont (AG2R La Mondiale), just behind lone escapee Mathieu Perget (AG2R La Mondiale).

On the steepest section of the final climb was where Quintana made the difference, however, as he danced clear of the small leading group. Initially, Dupont and Charteau were able to offer some resistance, but they soon had to yield to Quintana’s ferocious pace-setting.

As he showed last weekend, Quintana is more than capable of holding his own on a fast descent, and he soloed to victory in Arras-En-Lavedan with over a minute to spare. Overall, Quintana leads Dupont by 53 seconds ahead of Sunday’s final stage.

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