In the penultimate road race of his 14-year professional career, Romain Bardet once again went on the attack, jumping away from the break not just in pursuit of a perhaps unlikely victory, but to enjoy the thrill of leading the race one more time. And what a stage to do it on, with three hors-catégorie ascents packed into 131.6km of racing on stage 7 of the Critérium du Dauphiné.
"I don't know if it was panache, I think it was more of a desperate move. But when you can enjoy yourself, you have to seize these moments. Being at the front of the race was also a way of thanking everyone for the affection I've received, both this week and over many years,” Bardet said after the stage.
