Canadian cyclist Michael Woods finished second on the ascent of Mont Ventoux, where he was only edged out by Frenchman Lenny Martinez.
The one-day classic was scheduled to feature two climbs, but the second was canceled due to a weather alert, reducing the race distance to 98.3km.
With 4 km to go, Woods launched an attack. His Israel-Premier Tech teammate Domenico Pozzovivo was able to join him in the lead group with 1km to go, before letting Woods attempt a final attack in the final 500m.
The 36-year-old Ottawan, however, was unable to beat the 19-year-old Frenchman at the finish line. Britain’s Simon Carr finished third.
“I’m happy with my race but disappointed with the result,” said Woods. I really thought I had a good chance of winning. I didn’t play my cards as well as I could have. […] I can’t be too disappointed with a second place. »
