VERNIER, Switzerland (AP) — Carlos Rodriguez protected his yellow jersey through a rain-soaked final stage Sunday to win the six-day Tour of Romandie for the biggest race victory of his career.
Four previous winners in the French-speaking region of Switzerland went on to win that season’s Tour de France, including Chris Froome in 2013. Rodriguez placed fifth in cycling’s marquee event last year and won a stage.
Rodriguez started Sunday’s flat stage that looped round the suburbs of Geneva — won in a sprint finish by Dorian Godon — with a seven-second lead he took by placing third in a mountain stage Saturday.
The 23-year-old Ineos Grenadiers rider kept that winning margin over runner-up Aleksandr Vlasov, the 2022 Romandie winner. Third-placed Florian Lipowitz was third, trailing Rodriquez by nine seconds.
Godon sealed his second stage win this week, edging Simone Consonni with Dion Smith third.
AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports
Storms damage homes in Oklahoma and Kansas. But in Houston, most power is restored
People share moments their beloved pets have given them a fright
Google, Justice Department make final arguments about whether search engine is a monopoly
A Black lawmaker briefly expelled from the Tennessee Statehouse will remain on the 2024 ballot
Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?
Black trainer Larry Demeritte brings his $11,000 horse to the Kentucky Derby
A suspected Islamic State group attack on pro
Kevin Pillar gets 1,000th career hit in Angels' win at Texas
Denmark to liberalize its abortion law to allow the procedure until 18th week of pregnancy
Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?
Nippon Steel delays closing of acquisition of US Steel until late this year after US DOJ request