Greig Leach

Most of the sports directors started their main GC competitors at the beginning of the start order in hopes of beating the expected late day rains. Instead the rains came early scuttling the hopes of many and slowing down everyone. Yet for Yves Lampaert (Quick Step-Alpha Vinyl) the rains had eased as he took to the course towards the end of the day. Lampaert took full advantage of the conditions and came across the line in front of the palace with the newest best time. At last the new best time remained the best time for the stage. So it is not any of the GC men, nor anyone all of the pundits thought it would be, but a surprise who pulls on the first Maillot Jaune of the 2022 Tour de France. Chapeau, Yves!