Cycling: Lipowitz in the Basque Country still third

Lipowitz had tested the French youngster with a few attacks on the penultimate climb, but Seixas could not be shaken off. In fact, the 19-year-old was later able to set himself apart from his fellow competitors. Lipowitz is now 2:28 minutes behind Seixas in the overall standings, with his Red Bull teammate Primoz Roglic in second place (2:19).

Seixas the hope in France

Seixas is France’s great hope of finally securing the first overall victory by a local rider in over 40 years at the Tour in the coming years. The last French victory to date was achieved by Bernard Hinault in 1985.

Seixas had already finished third at the European Championships last fall behind superstar Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel. At the Tour of the Basque Country he won the first two stages in a dominant manner. He now has his first tour victory on the WorldTour. There are still two stages to complete before the finale in Bergara.