Great Britain's Joseph Blackmore has taken a summit victory on stage 3 of the 2024 Tour de l'Avenir, moving into the Maillot Jaune as new race leader as a result.
Although only just over 70km long, stage 3 of the 2024 Tour de l'Avenir was packed with mountain tests. On the very first climb of the day, Denmark's Maillot Jaune wearing Henrik Pedersen was already distanced, meaning a new race leader was on the cards.
On the final climb, the expected attack from Jarno Widar but the Belgian wasn't able to completely crack everyone, drawing a group of five clear that also included Brit Joseph Blackmore and Spaniard Pablo Torres, with the Brit being the best placed in terms of the GC.
With just under 6km to go however, Widar attacked again and this time got the gap he wanted and began to ride clear solo. Behind the youngest rider in the race, it was Blackmore who had heading up the chase and with 3km to go, contact was made. Having started the day 6 seconds ahead of Widar, Blackmore was also into the provisional Maillot Jaune as a result.
As they entered the final kilometre, the leading duo was turned into a trio as Torres too got back into contact and immediately flew over the top but Widar and Blackmore were quickly able to close the gap. In the final few hundred metres, Blackmore opened the sprint and fired to the victory.
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