2nd March – Faun Drôme Classic: Étoile-sur-Rhône – Étoile-sur-Rhône
After the racing on Saturday, the peloton continued their foray into France on Sunday for the Faun Drôme Classic. With another afternoon over the climbs, it was set to be another tough day in the saddle and the peloton slowly whittled down as they reeled back in the break. On the longest climb of the day with 40 kilometres to go the race winning move was made, while Chris Hamilton and Warren Barguil made it over the top in a reduced peloton. Heading into the final, Hamilton and Barguil both followed counter attacks behind the leading duo, but nothing would stick and the battle for third would come down to a hill-top sprint. Barguil showed that his form was building by producing a good turn of speed to take ninth place.
Barguil said: “Drôme is one of my favourite races of the year. I was protected all day perfectly by the guys. On the climb of Col de la Grande Limite, I was a bit on the limit, but Chris did good job to bring me back; he was really strong. Then on Côte des Roberts I was better again and we covered a lot of attacks between Chris and I. At the end in the sprint I started in a good position at one kilometre to go, but then I lost a few wheels before the right turn but I still managed to go full to the end. A top ten is good for the moral and a big thanks to the guys for all of their support today.”