Simon Yates (Orica-Scott) soloed to the stage win on the first foray into the mountains in Paris-Nice, attacking just before the top of the final climb, with 19 kilometres to go. He raised his arms in victory atop the short, steep ascent into Fayance 17 seconds before Sergio Henao (Team Sky).
The Colombian champion moved into third overall thanks to his attack, but race leader Julian Alaphilippe (Quick-Step Floors) tenaciously clawed his way to fourth on the stage behind Richie Porte (BMC), giving up just 12 seconds to Henao to keep the maillot jaune. The Frenchman even padded his lead over Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) by another three seconds.
Yates moved into the top 10 thanks to his gamble.
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"I had a small idea about trying something, but it all depended on how I felt and the conditions," Yates said. "It got to the moment, and I said to myself 'why not? I haven't got anything to lose so if I get caught I get caught'. So I tried, and I'm just happy it worked.
"It's one of the biggest races we do, and one of the hardest week-long races. I'm really happy to be able to win again - it's my first win of the season, and I hope this continues for a good year.
Now eighth overall at 1:37 from Alaphilippe, Yates was unsure if he could challenge for the overall podium.
How it happened
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