"I think we got what we deserved" - Tobias Johannessen turns heads with impressive Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Tobias Johannessen couldn't get himself off the podium last weekend, finishing in top three in the final three stages of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and capping off an impressive week that saw him battle for breakaway victory before hanging with the general classification contenders.

Of course after a look through the Norwegian's results over the past twelve months, a fifth overall in the prestigious WorldTour race should come as no surprise. Johannessen actually logged the same overall result at last year's edition before a sixth overall in the Tour de France.

This season he has continued that consistency in one-week races and is good value for it. He was ninth in the UAE Tour, fourth in Tirreno Adriatico, third in Itzulia Basque Country before the race, and thinks more progress has been made ahead of his Tour de France reunion.

His sixth stage saw him soar up the general classification as he found himself in a strong breakaway battle for the stage. Despite finishing second, he was able to steal a march on the favourites and bridge a gap after losing time on the opening stage. Attacking other favourites such as Jorgenson in the dying kilometers of the race, he's happy with his performance.

“I think we made good progress throughout the week and I can be quite satisfied, Johannessen said after stage 8. "I tried to gain a few places on the last stage, but we were all pretty tired."

While suffering in the heat of battle during the final climb, Johannessen was still able to enjoy its beauty and is feeling more and more confident in the French Alps. A powerful climber, he did note the demands of being in general classification contention as he missed out on the podium.

He continued: "I think we got what we deserved and it was a great week with the team. We showed that we are one of the strongest teams collectively. The final climb is tough, but very beautiful, with some easier sections and others that are very steep."

"I was able to use my power a bit on the steepest parts. I know the climb and the area a little, so it's becoming more familiar, and it really is a magnificent place. You have to be there on every stage to be in contention for the podium, especially after the time lost on the first day.

Overall, finishing strong was key for the 26-year-old as he looks to retain that momentum into the July 4th Grand Depart. A dark horse for the Tour podium, Johannessen faces stiff competition with Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Paul Seixas, Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz the big pre race favourites.

"But it's a good feeling to finish strong, and on top of that, we won a stage with Anthon [Charmig]. So it's a very good week for the team and for me. We'll take the positives and we'll be back racing in July ,”