Greig Leach

With Jakob Fulgsang (Astana) alone up the road, it was this quartet that had to give chase. As they road up another of the gravel sections, Davide Formolo (UAE Team Emirates) lead Alberto Bettiol (EF Pro Cycling) followed by the fast closing Maximilian Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Wout Van Aert (Jumbo Visma). Along the side of the road the tifosi were out, many wearing masks and all keeping a safe distance from each other. One of their main interactions with the racers was to pour their cold water bottles, a much appreciated gesture, over the over-heated athletes.