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Kocjan takes over at Bessèges
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Slovenian rider Jure Kocjan (Carmiooro A-Style) pulled the double, winning Friday’s third stage and taking the overall lead at the Etoile d’Bessèges in France.
After two opening stages won in bunch sprints by Jimmy Casper (Besson Chaussures), Wednesday’s hilly profile was sure to decide the GC.
A screw up that took the peloton down the wrong road and then nasty weather forced organizers to trim the stage from 133.4km down to 76.5km.
The short circuit made for explosive riding and there were still some challenging terrain, so the attacks came fast and furious. Nine riders pulled away early, but they were rejoined by the peloton ahead of the remaining climb, the Col de la Baraque.
Yury Trofimov (Bouygues Telecom) won last year’s edition with a searing attack over the Baraque climb and wasn’t afraid to give it another shove. Catching his wheel was Kocjan.
The pair fought through heavy rain to fend off the chasing Johnny Hoogerland (Vacansoleil) by seven seconds and another chase group led by Matthieu Ladagnous (FDJeux) by 18 seconds. Overnight leader Casper came through with the main pack at 20th at 1:27 back.
The 24-year-old Slovenian – who won two stages at the Tour of Cuba and one stage at the Tour of Quinghai Lake last year – had enough to out-kick Trofimov to win the stage. He takes a two-second lead on the defending champion thanks to time bonuses.
The race continues Saturday with the 151km fourth stage in a circuit course around Allègre Les Fumades.
Stage 3, Etoile des Bessèges
1. Jure Kocjan (Slo), Carmiooro & A-Style 76.9km en 1h24'08"
2. Yury Trofimov (Rus), Bbox Bouygues Telecom) same time.
3. Johnny Hoogerland (Ned), Vacansoleil 7 sec.
4. Matthieu Ladagnous (Fra), Française des Jeux 18 sec.
5. Sébastien Minard (Fra), Cofidis s.t.
Overall standings after three stages
1. Jure Kocjan (Slo), Carmiooro & A-Style 7h41'06"
2. Yury Trofimov (Rus), Bbox Bouygues Telecom) 2sec
3. Johnny Hoogerland (Ned), Vacansoleil 13 sec.
4. Sébastien Minard (Fra), Cofidis 27sec
Jonathan Hivert (Fra), Skil-Shimano 28sec
