Dauphiné: Bardet gives it a go, Milan in the lead

 

Romain Bardet's professional career will end on Sunday, June 15, at the Critérium du Dauphiné. At 34 and after 14 seasons as a professional, Bardet has decided his time is up. But, on the Cote de Nonette with just under 20 kilometres to go, Bardet launched a daring attack, hoping to drag some others clear with him but no one followed. The fan favorite tried and honoured his home roads but it was destined for the sprinters, and he was reeled in at eight kilometres to go.

"It was a really nice stage with a lot of supporters cheering along the road; which was great to see and experience. I have ridden the last climb, Cote de Nonette, for the last 25 years so it was good for the last time ever to give it a good go and see what could maybe have happened. Honestly, I want to race. I've barely trained this week, and the turnaround after the Giro is a first for me, but I think I can still have one or two good days on the bike - maybe even one or two great ones. I hope so."

-Romain Bardet

"We cannot call any of the days here sprint days, they will all be really tough, but I am enjoying this victory right now. We are doing a really good job for our July preparation and this means a lot in terms of where we want to be next month."

-Jonathan Milan.

Paul Ourselin leads in the KOMs jersey

Look back: Kim Andersen in the leader's jersey, 1985 Critérium du Dauphiné, 4th place on general classification.