Under temperatures below the season average, the LIDL-Trek rider won the 3rd stage of the Tour des Alpes and at the same time took the leader's jersey. Lopez, who at 26 signed his first victory since joining the professional peloton, beat his breakaway companion, the Italian Giulio Pellizzari by 21 seconds.
Before competing in the main stage this Thursday between Laives and Borgo Valsugana (Italy) with two first category passes on the menu, Lopez has a 31-second lead over Foss in the general classification.
“It’s a great day for me with this first pro victory, but it was 4 degrees and it was raining when we left, it was also one of the most difficult days of my career on a bike,” said Lopez confessed. First Frenchman, Romain Bardet occupies 5th place overall, 48 seconds behind the leader.