Tour Auvergne - Rhône-Alpes Stage 3 (TTT)

The Lanterne Rouge Cycling Podcast delivers a sharp, data-driven breakdown of Stage 3 of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes — a 28km hilly team time trial from Pérouges to Pérouges that proved to be a pivotal moment in the race’s GC dynamics. The episode centers on the dramatic collapse of Ineos Grenadiers after Oscar Onley’s chain drop, a mechanical that cost them the stage by nine seconds despite leading at multiple splits. The hosts dissect pacing strategies across teams, highlighting how Visma’s tactical discipline and strong final climb performance allowed them to reclaim time, while UAE’s inconsistent effort and lack of a true 'truck' rider (like Holo or Tarling) left them mid-pack. A standout moment comes when the hosts debate whether Red Bull intentionally sacrificed Luke Tuckwell on the final climb — a move that raises eyebrows given his GC status. The episode also dives into the broader implications for the upcoming Tour de France TTT, comparing the Dauphiné’s technical, multi-climb course to the flatter, city-based Barcelona stage. With teams like Ineos and Visma now in prime GC position, and UAE’s Tour roster still unconfirmed, the hosts predict a high-stakes, data-heavy TTT showdown. The recap ends with a speculative, humorous take on how teams might use extreme tactics — like night-time TTTs or solo Remco Evenepoel sprints — to gain an edge. The episode’s most provocative insight?