Julian Alaphilippe claimed the yellow jersey at the Tour de France on Monday after a stunning solo attack on stage three, finishing 26 seconds ahead of the peloton in Epernay. The French rider surged on the Cote de Mutigny climb, leaving the main contenders behind, including defending champion Geraint Thomas.
Thomas lost five seconds to his Ineos team-mate Egan Bernal in the steep hilltop finish, slipping behind the Colombian in the team's pecking order. The Welshman admitted the short, steep climbs were not his forte but said he felt OK and praised the team's positioning.
Alaphilippe, who now leads the general classification, said he was speechless after the win. 'I knew this stage suited me. I managed to avoid any pitfalls and crashes. I felt good so I accelerated on the Cote de Mutigny climb but I didn't think I'd go alone,' he explained.
Bernal appeared well-positioned to follow Alaphilippe but chose to stay with the peloton. The Colombian later said he was unaware of what was happening behind him during the decisive move.
