The Frenchman remains in contention for a solid overall result at the 48th edition.
Deceuninck – Quick-Step was again a major player on the long and challenging stage 4, another hilly affair, this time from Neufchâteau to Fleurus, over 206 kilometers that included six classified climbs: Saut des Sorcières, Col du Sati, Côte d'Orchimon, Côte d’Agimont, Côte de Soulme and Côte du Petit Try.
After our team contributed to the chasing, making sure the seven-man breakaway would be brought back before the final 20 kilometers, Josef Cerny attacked ahead of the final difficulty and carved out a 26-second advantage. Unfortunately for the Czech National ITT Champion, despite going flat-out, his chances of making it were deterred by the stiff gradients of Petit Try.
A reduced group made it over the top of the hill, including three members of Deceuninck – Quick-Step. Andrea Bagioli set a big tempo at the front, before Yves Lampaert moved to the front of the bunch under the flamme rouge, with Florian Sénéchal in his wheel. The Frenchman was in a good position and looked to be on his way to a top 3 finish, but unfortunately, he slipped out of his pedal inside the last 100 meters and he concluded ninth, a result that continues to make him the highest ranked rider of our team in the general classification.
“I felt really good today and went for the sprint. Yves and Andrea did a great job and I was ideally placed in the finale, but slipped out my pedal and lost any chance of what I am confident would have been a solid result. We’ll now see what we can do in the last stage”, Florian explained.
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