The China Mail - Godon raises game to take Romandie stage and revenge over leader Pogacar

The day before, Pogacar had caught Godon in the final metres. This time, although well-placed at the end of a 176.6km circuit starting and ending in Orbe, the Slovenian opted not to give chase when Godon accelerated to the line.

"When he kicks with a heavy gear, he's long gone," said the world champion. "I did not have great speed, so, he could make a big difference compared to me. I still did a pretty solid sprint and had a nice finish."

New Zealander Finn Fisher-Black, third the day before, was second this time with Frenchman Valentin Paret-Peintre of Soudal Quick Step third in the sprint.

Godon was dropped on the day's long climb 32 kilometres from the finish, but his Ineos team-mates relayed him back.

"It was tough," said the French 29-year-old.

"We were about 30 or 40 seconds away from the peloton. I'm very happy because it was truly a collective victory," he said. "All the guys pushed themselves to the limit for me. I was dead at the end but the last 50 metres were just the little extra grain that made the victory."

For Godon, who also won the prologue before Pogacar took the next two stages, it was a 21st career victory.

After going too early the day before and allowing the Slovenian to catch him at the line, this time Godon ambushed Fisher-Black of Red Bull with a brutal late burst of speed.

Godon said after losing stage two he had been out for revenge on Thursday only to be thwarted again by Pogacar.

"He made me raise my game," said Godon.

The overall standings did not change with Pogacar leading the German Florian Lipowitz by 17 seconds and Frenchman Lenny Martinez by 26.

Saturday's penultimate day is the 'queen stage' with four big climbs in a 149.6km run through the Swiss mountains from Broc to Charmey.

Pogacar grinned when asked if he would be going for another stage victory.

"Let's see," he said. "First keep the jersey, and then we'll see if we can win the stage. If not, not the end of the world."

S.Davis--ThChM