Ivan Romeo's Triumph in Stage Three

Ivan Romeo of Movistar delivered a stunning performance in stage three of the Criterium du Dauphine, claiming victory and the coveted yellow jersey. The 21-year-old Spaniard broke away from a group of ten riders with approximately 6km remaining on the 202.8km route from Brioude to Charantonnay, near Lyon.

The Race Dynamics

Romeo's strategy was impeccable. After several initial attacks, he made his decisive move, leaving the chase group, led by Mathieu van der Poel, too late to respond. Romeo crossed the finish line 14 seconds ahead of Harold Tejada, Louis Barre, and Florian Lipowitz.

Romeo's Reflections

"I don't believe it," Romeo said post-race. "It was one of the toughest days of my life so far. The breakaway was hard to get into, and I wasn't feeling great, so I waited for the last moment. I knew in this kind of flat finish in a small break, I have good instinct, and if they give me some seconds, I can make it."

Training and Preparation

Romeo had been preparing for this stage for a month, undergoing altitude training at Sierra Nevada with his team. "We've been working super hard, and they gave me this chance at the beginning of the week," he added.

General Classification Standings

With this victory, Romeo now holds a 17-second lead in the general classification standings. Reigning Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar is just over a minute behind in ninth place, setting the stage for an exciting time trial and mountain stages ahead.

Stage Three Results

• Ivan Romeo (Spa/Movistar) 4hrs 34mins 10secs
• Harold Tejada (Col/XDS Astana) +14secs
• Louis Barre (Fra/Intermarche-Wanty) Same time
• Florian Lipowitz (Ger/Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe)
• Mathieu van der Poel (Ned/Alpecin-Deceuninck) +27secs

General Classification After Stage Three

• Ivan Romeo (Spa/Movistar) 14hrs 9mins 1sec
• Louis Barre (Fra/Intermarche-Wanty) +17secs
• Harold Tejada (Col/XDS Astana) +18secs
• Florian Lipowitz (Ger/Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe) +24secs
• Mathieu van der Poel (Ned/Alpecin-Deceuninck) +29secs