"Derek Gee was simply stronger than me" - No excuses for Romain Gregoire after near miss on Criterium du Dauphine stage 3

For a moment, it looked for all the world that Romain Gregoire was about to take the win on stage 3 of the 2024 Criterium du Dauphine. In the end though, victory went to Derek Gee, with Gregoire having to settle for second place.

With just 2.5km to go, the breakaway was eventually caught. Though there was still more action ahead, including a sharp and dramatic uphill finish. With little over 800 metres remaining, Krists Neilands launched the initial attack, but he was soon apprehended. The next man to enter the stage was another Israel - Premier Tech, Gee. He countered his teammate and, although it appeared like when Gregoire came around the Canadian he had won, Gee fired back with his second wind to take the win.

“I'm a bit disappointed and frustrated at not being able to go for the win because I believed in it when I was in front with 300 metres to go," the Groupama - FDJ rider reflected honestly in his post-stage interview. "I came up against a very strong Derek, who was simply stronger than me. It wasn't easy with that long, 25-kilometre, level climb. I didn't have the best feeling in my life, but I hung in there, and in the final I was there, so that's quite positive."

In the end, the day wasn't completely without reward for Gregoire however, as the 21-year-old Frenchman managed to move into the White Jersey for Best Young Rider. With an individual time-trial to come on stage 4 however, Gregoire may have a fight on his hands to keep a hold of the jersey. "The white jersey is a nice consolation prize, and I'm going to try and put in a good time tomorrow, but it's not what I came here for,” Gregoire concludes honestly.