Tour de Romandie's showdown on Sat and Sun
Essex rider goes on strong attempt into final 25km of Payerne loop in Romandie. No time gaps between GC contenders before Leysin's queen stage, Saturday: Herrada (3rd), Fernández (8th), Castroviejo (10th) all still in contention
Movistar Team's Andrey Amador and most notably Alex Dowsett featured on the attacks of Friday's stage three in the 2017 Tour de Romandie, the riders finally enjoying some sunshine on a triple loop course (187km) around Payerne, next to the Neuchâtel lake.
While the Costa Rican took advantage from the slopes of both Lovens and Sassel (Cat-3) climbs to try and go on the move, the Briton waited until the last 25km, with all ascents over, to try a high-speed action on his favourite, flat roads. The attack gained some momentum and even forced TBM, SKY and QST to work hard, his gap rising to 30" with 12km to go. Alex was caught under four kilometers from the line.
Elia Viviani (SKY) was the strongest into the bunch sprint as the main GC contenders came home all together. Jesús Herrada (3rd, +8"), Rubén Fernández (8th, +13") and Jonathan Castroviejo (10th, +14") all remain on their places from the eve and will tackle Saturday's queen stage -164 km, four rated climbs, finish up Leysin (Cat-1)- within the best ten overall.
Picture: Photo Gomez Sport