2023 Criterium Dauphine Stage 8 | Highlights
Report
The Critérium du Dauphiné concluded with a captivating display of strength and determination from both Giulio Ciccone and Jonas Vingegaard. As the race served as a crucial test leading up to the Tour de France, it provided valuable insights and showcased the incredible talent of these riders.
Giulio Ciccone, eager to make his mark after more than a month away from racing, demonstrated his prowess in the final stage. With previous victories at Volta Valenciana and Volta Catalunya under his belt, Ciccone faced a formidable challenge in the form of breakaway companions like Alaphilippe and Benoot. Undeterred, he grew stronger with each climb, leaving the chasing peloton behind.
As the kilometers ticked by, the breakaway group diminished, but Ciccone remained resolute. With 25 kilometers to go, he launched a solo mission, leaving the other contenders in his wake. Vingegaard, Yates, O’Connor, and Hindley tirelessly pursued, but Ciccone maintained his distance. The final ascent up Grenoble La Bastille, with its punishing 14% gradient, became his launching pad to victory. Crossing the finish line, Ciccone celebrated his third triumph of the season and claimed the mountain jersey, solidifying his place among the top contenders.
For Jonas Vingegaard, the Critérium du Dauphiné marked a milestone in his career as he clinched his first-ever victory in the prestigious race. Defending his yellow leader’s jersey with style, the 26-year-old Dane of Team Jumbo-Visma showcased his exceptional talent throughout the final stage.
The stage itself offered no respite, with six demanding climbs testing the riders’ mettle. From the early breakaway, including the resilient Tiesj Benoot, Italian rider Giulio Ciccone emerged victorious on the slopes of La Bastille in Grenoble.
However, it was on the same climb that Vingegaard delivered the finishing blow to secure his general classification triumph. Accelerating from the group of contenders, he left his rivals behind, narrowly missing out on a third stage win. Nevertheless, his 11th victory of the season brought his career total to 23 and contributed to Team Jumbo-Visma’s 35th triumph in 2023.
Expressing his gratitude, Vingegaard acknowledged the outstanding teamwork that propelled him to success. He credited his teammates for their unwavering support and praised their collective effort. Looking ahead, Vingegaard acknowledged the importance of recovering and redirecting his focus toward the upcoming Tour de France.
The team’s sports director, Grischa Niermann, emphasized the significance of the preparation for the Tour de France during the race. Delighted with the team’s performance, Niermann highlighted their determination to leave no stone unturned in their final training phase before the Tour.
Team Jumbo-Visma’s dominance extended beyond the overall victory, as they claimed four stage wins and Christophe Laporte secured the green points jersey. The team’s success, combined with the individual achievements of Ciccone and Vingegaard, solidified their status as a formidable force in the cycling world.
As the Critérium du Dauphiné came to a close, the performances of Giulio Ciccone and Jonas Vingegaard left no doubt that both riders are ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead, including the highly anticipated Tour de France.
Results
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