If there is one thing certain, it’s that the Dauphiné will offer no rest for the weary in the peloton.  Once again the riders were put to a grueling test on this stage of 228 kilometers, the longest day of the race.  But the kilometers, the rain and the climbs still did not wipe out the sprinters, who took full grasp of their opportunity in the streets of Sisteron. 

Just as with stage 2, Nacer Bouhanni (Cofidis) won the gallop, but this time with Jonas Van Genechten (IAM Cycling) hot on his heels.  The Belgian rider for IAM Cycling was obviously disappointed to have come so close yet still miss the chance to life his arms in victory.  Nevertheless, this result will do wonders to revitalize his confidence, and confirms once again that he does have the power and speed to be competitive among the fast men in the world of cycling. 

It would have been easy to think we were in March. With the torrential rain that welcomed the riders as they were sprinting for the finish, this did not feel like June.  But after getting a little more comfortable in some dry clothes, Van Genechten took the time to explain his day that ended with such an impressive sprint. 

“Today, I came very close to the victory.  But it’s not only that.  It’s not a catastrophe when you are beaten by Nacer Bouhanni.  He is someone who has tons of experience, so I can’t say I am really disappointed. 

"I knew that I had good legs, and I was going well, so I am still satisfied. I may have just been missing a little of the confidence I needed to win.  But this was a very long stage, and it was not easy, so we had to manage our efforts.  The peloton controlled the two guys who were off in the break, but the finish was very fast and chaotic. 

"I was a little afraid of the two small climbs near the end.  At that point I was pretty much on the limit, but so were a lot of the other guys, I think.  I held on because I knew the sprint finish was still possible.  But you feel the long day in your legs, and don’t have the same power by the line.”

For the sports management taking the reins at the Dauphiné, they understand that winning a stage at this point is largely a matter of having the confidence:

“Second place is a great result for the team,” explained Rik Verbrugghe.  “Jonas is very fast in a sprint, but right now he lacks a little bit the confidence that is needed not to make that last little mistake.  But the confidence is gained in the doing.  The more we do well, the more we feel confident.  And the day you win the race, then it’s all gone.  And from that day on, I think we will see a different Jonas.  But this is not easy to do.  There are a lot of sprinters, and they all do their best. 

"Now to speak generally, the team really put in a lot of effort for this Dauphiné stage.  The climbers got a chance to show themselves.  We will now try to protect Mathias Frank properly, and see how high he can climb.  I think this is an excellent test before the Tour de France.  And judging by how he has performed so far here on the hills, I think we can really look forward to supporting him at the Tour.”