George Bennett, with a strong climb to the top of the Gibraltar Road, placed third in the queen stage of the Amgen Tour of California on Tuesday. Only winner Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx - Quick Step) and Peter Stetina (Trek - Segafredo) finished in front of team LottoNL-Jumbo’s climber. Those three riders are the new top three in the general classification, as well.

“This was the most important stage for the general classification together with the time trial,” Sports Director Frans Maassen said. “The climb up Gibraltar Road was 12 kilometres long and very tough. It was our target to bring George Bennett and Alexey Vermeulen to the foot of that climb as well as possible. We succeeded with George, but Alexey lost the wheels of our men. George delivered a wonderful climb afterwards. His third place shows his strength.”

Colorado

The performance surprised Bennett somewhat. “I’m happy with my performance today,” the rider from New Zealand added. “I didn’t know how my condition would be because I was sick in the spring classics. I want to thank the boys for their help today and the team for the possibility to train in Colorado to build up again.”

The Tour of California continues Wednesday with a tricky fourth stage. “It’s a long day and a breakaway may have a chance to make it until the end,” Maassen said. “The wind could play a role, but the expectations are that it’s going to be headwind, so that makes it less exciting.”