Tour de Romandie 2014 Stage and GC lead for Spilak, Froome close

The ride from Le Bouveret to Aigle is 180.2 kilometres long with 4 category-1 cols. Early on in the closing climb Nibali attacks, but Chris Froome's reaction is strong and he takes over. He is accompanied by Simon Spilak and the Slovak rider not only outsprints his companion on the line, he is the new overall leader as well. (Slideshow route/profile)

Tour de Romandie 2014: Results 3rd stage

1. Simon Spilak (slo)
2. Chris Froome (gbr) s.t.
3. Rui Costa (por) + 0.57
4. Jakob Fuglsang (den) s.t.
5. Benat Intxausti (spa) s.t.
6. Mathias Frank (Swi) s.t.
7. Vincenzo Nibali (ita) s.t.
8. Jesus Herrada (spa) + 1.41
9. Thibaut Pinot (fra) s.t.
10. Andrew Talansky (USA) s.t.

GC after 3rd stage
1. Simon Spilak (slo)
2. Chris Froome (gbr) + 0.01
3. Rui Costa (por) + 1.02
4. Vincenzo Nibali (ita) + 1.06
5. Mathias Frank (Swi) + 1.10
6. Benat Intxausti (spa) + 1.13
7. Jakob Fuglsang (den) + 1.14
8. Jesus Herrada (spa) + 1.40
9. Jon Izagirre (spa) + 1.48
10. Andrew Talansky (USA) + 1.50

Race report
Eight riders give it a go and cycle to a gap of 6 minutes. At the first ascent their advantage shrinks and on the climb to Champex-Lax Gautier and Malacarne are the only ones left. Noteable ‘drop-outs’ in the bunch are leader Michael Alabasini and GC-favourites. It’s cold and wet today, 5°C in Champex, the highest point.

While Gautier and Malacarna are reeled in at the ascent to Les Giettes, it’s Vincenzo Nibali who opens fire on the lower slopes of the closing climb. Still 10 kilometres to the top, but his bravery is not rewarded. In his reaction Froome takes over and leaves the Italian behind. Spilak is next to cycle past Nibali. The 2013 runner-up joins the Tour de Romandie winner of last year. At cresting their gain is 0’55″.

No presents are given Aigle and Spilak beats Froome on the line in a fiery sprint-à-deux. With bonification the man from Slovenia is 1 second ahead of the Brit in the GC.