04/06/2023

"I would not have thought of it at all" - Donavan Grondin takes surprise King of the Mountains lead at the Critérium du Dauphiné

Prior to the start of the opening stage of the 2023 Critérium du Dauphiné, Donavan Grondin had no major expectations but a day out in the breakaway has secured him the King of the Mountains for tomorrow's stage 2.

"I managed to make the first three climbs, and here it is! I would not have thought of it at all, it's all good," said a delightedly surprised Grondin in his post-stage interview. "It's not bad, especially in a big race like this."

PREVIEW | Critérium du Dauphiné 2023 stage 2 - Punchy finish to test GC riders and provide opportunity for classics riders

Whilst the Team Arkéa–Samsic rider was the first to drop back from the breakaway, his companion Rune Herregodts held put for much longer before eventually being caught a few pedal strokes from the line.

"The objective was to try to take the breakaway. I succeeded, I came out a little out of time on a descent, I I joined the guy from Wanty and Alpecin. We found ourselves at three, then at five," recalls Grondin. "When I found myself in front, the DS directly told me to aim for the polka dot jersey if I could. I was very happy to be in the breakaway because there were small storms and heavy showers, so it was a bit complicated."