Elissonde proves why Trek-Segafredo call him King Kenny

Take a look back at Critérium du Dauphiné Stage 7 and a valiant effort from King Kenny as he went all-in on the first of two big climbing days in France

The menu for stage seven at the Critérium du Dauphiné?

Col du Lautaret. Col du Galibier. Col du Telégraphe. Col de la Croix de Fer. An uphill finish in Vaujany.

 

However, Trek-Segafredo was more than ready for the challenge that lay ahead on the penultimate stage of the race, anticipating the battle that would begin en route to the infamous Galibier and eventually getting three riders into a large 18-rider breakaway.

It was Jasper Stuyven and Toms Skujinš that joined Kenny at the front of the race and the Trek-Segafredo trio worked hard together to extend as much of an advantage as possible going onto the Croix de Fer.

After a huge effort from Stuyven to pull back a solo attacker, Elissonde made his move and drew out a more select group of five riders. The Frenchman looked strong as he covered the moves, and made some of his own, before eventually going clear on the descent of the penultimate climb with Carlos Verona (Movistar Team).

Kenny and Verona continued to push on at the front of the race and were together right until the bottom of the last climb when the Spaniard made his winning move.

A valiant effort from Trek-Segafredo’s King saw him continue to push hard despite being distanced before eventually being swept up by the overall favorites, who were using the ascent to Vaujany as the backdrop to the GC shake-up.

After crossing the line, Kenny proved just why we call him King…

 

Kenny’s Reaction

"It was a nice plan today. The breakaway went away on the climb [Col du Galibier] so if you were strong, you were able to be in that group. We were in there with three guys, Jasper, Toms and me. They both did a great job for me and then, it was a bit of a game with the two Movistar Team riders attacking.

"I didn't understand why they were doing this instead of just turning and so I decided to go full gas on the downhill in order to make a split. Actually, we were going faster just me and Carlos together just as two riders rather than in a group with five or six.

"I do have to say that Carlos was stronger than me in the final and I have no regrets. Of course, I am disappointed as once again I have the impression that I am close to a big victory but, at the same time, I so far away. It's always a bit frustrating but I am really proud of the team, what they did for me today and one day, eventually, that win will come for me."