Route d’Occitanie 2022 – Stage 3 [FULL STAGE]

June 18, 2022

Route d’Occitanie 2022 – Stage 3 – Sigean – Les Angles : 188,7 km

This four-day stage-race has gone by many different names over the years but was perhaps best known as the Route du Sud, a name it carried from 1988 all the way to 2017. The race is now known as the Route d’Occitanie, a name that better reflects the region in southwest France where its four stages often take place. The route of this four-day stage-race largely stays within the Occitanie region of southwestern France, dipping in and out of the French-Pyrenees throughout the race. While the race has, on occasion, featured a mid-week time trial, it’s often the towering Pyrenean mountain passes that dictate the overall winner of La Route d’Occitanie.

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 :