Michael Woods climbs to La Route d’Occitanie Stage 3 triumph and into race lead

Michael Woods’ Tour de France preparations have been in France this month, and on Saturday Rusty was the strongest on the summit finish on the third stage of UCI 2.1-rated La Route d’Occitanie-La Dépêche du Midi, becoming the first Canadian to win a stage in the race’s 46 editions. It was the second victory for Woods this season. On Saturday Woods also seized the race lead from Roger Adria, jumping up 10 spots on GC. He has a large gap, 1:16, with one rippling stage to go.

Woods and Carlos Rodriguez attacked from a group of favourites on the final two-step climb of the day, the Cat. 1 Col de Hares becoming the Cat. 3 ascent to Les Angles at the top. Nairo Quintana tried to go with them, but could not.

The main chasers of the leading duo were Alejandro Valverde and Jesús Herrada. After some cat and mouse games Woods bolted on Rodriguez with 2.3 km to climb, ultimately finishing 1:15 ahead of the Spaniard from Ineos Grenadiers.

2022 La Route d’Occitanie-La Dépêche du Midi Stage 3
1) Michael Woods (Canada/Israel-Premier Tech)
2) Carlos Rodriguez (Spain/Ineos Grenadiers)
3) Jesús Herrada (Spain/Cofidis)

2022 La Route d’Occitanie-La Dépêche du Midi GC
1) Michael Woods (Canada/Israel-Premier Tech) 10:19:59
2) Carlos Rodriguez (Spain/Ineos Grenadiers) +1:16
3) Jesús Herrada (Spain/Cofidis) +1:21