Canadian Derek Gee gained his first professional tour victory when he took the third stage of the Criterium du Dauphine on Tuesday, vaulting into the overall race lead.
When the Israel Premier Tech rider attacked uphill 500m from the finish of the 181.7-kilometre stage to Les Estables, the highest village in France's Massif Central, only Romain Gregoire could keep up.
The Frenchman swept into the lead, but Gee counter-attacked 100m from the line to collect victory.
🏆 Un dernier kilomètre pour puncheurs aujourd'hui sur le #Dauphiné et une magnifique gestion de la part de 🇨🇦 @DerekGee7 !
— Critérium du Dauphiné (@dauphine) June 4, 2024
🏆 A final kilometre for the puncheurs today on the #Dauphiné and some magnificent race management from 🇨🇦 @DerekGee7! pic.twitter.com/21UPw8sUj3
"I've been waiting for a win in Europe," the 26-year-old told Eurosport at the finish. "I've come second enough times. It was nice to finish it off."
Gee, who has won Canadian national time trial titles, came close repeatedly in last year's Giro, placing second in four stages.
He said Tuesday's attack was spontaneous.
"I wasn't planning on going there," he said. "It was just a lull and I had to take advantage of it."
Gee collected a 10-second time bonus for winning. The first two also crossed the line three seconds clear of the leading contenders.
Gee moved to the top of the general classification, three seconds ahead of the previous leader Magnus Cort-Nielsen. Gregoire climbed to third, a further two seconds back, with Primoz Roglic at seven seconds.
"That's pretty special," said Gee.
🎙️"It's definetly a different level. It's incredible. I've been waiting for this win in Europe!" 😁@DerekGee7 was all smiles after this first WorldTour win!
— Critérium du Dauphiné (@dauphine) June 4, 2024
🎙️ "C'est quelque chose de différent. C'est incroyable. J'attendais cette victoire en EUrope !" 😁 Un @DerekGee7 tout… pic.twitter.com/aEHzzSFOiA
Wednesday's fourth stage is a flat 34.4km time trial that offers the race favourites a chance to take control.