Rohan Dennis (BMC Racing) went into the third and final stage of the Tour la Provence on Thursday in the overall lead but tied on time with three other riders.
When an attack on the final climb in the closing kilometres threatened his lead, the BMC leader dug deep and reeled back stage winner Mattia Cattaneo (Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec) to save his victory by two seconds over the Italian rider.
"I am really happy with the form I have shown here, and of course, to take the win," Dennis said. "Normally I am not in the best condition at the early races in Europe, so this race has definitely been a big confidence boost for what's to come over the rest of the season."
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The 171.4km final stage from Aix-en-Provence to Marseille started with a three-rider breakaway that provided the impetus for the BMC-led chase for most of the day. BMC's Tom Bohli did the lion's share of the work, eventually reeling in the escaping trio with about 20km left to race.
Attacks from all sides quickly ensued, with Cattaneo launching his successful late challenge on the final climb into Marseille.
BMC's Brent Bookwalter went off in pursuit with two other riders, but when Cattaneo's gap extended to 25 seconds, it was up to Dennis to take control and finish brining him back. By the line, Dennis had clawed back all but two seconds from the stage winner.
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