The queen stage on the third day of the SkodaTour LuXembourg led over 188.4 km from Rosport to Diekirch. In the end, an underdog took the win: In the tough final part of the stage, Aaron Gate (BEB) prevailed and won ahead of Benjamin Thomas (COF) and Davide Ballerini (QST). Valentin Madouas (GFC) defended the yellow jersey.

Nine riders broke away after the start in Rosport: Thomas Delphis (ACT), Pierre Rolland (BBK), Gil Gelders (BWB), Felipe Orts Lloret (BBH), Joseba Lopez Cuesta (CJR), Joel Nicolau Beltran (CJR), Asier Etxeberria Zafra (EUS), Sindre Kulset (UXT) and Théo Bonnet (GDM).

The breakaway gained up to four 4’00” advantage over the peloton, but they were caught 17 km before the finish. In the tough final kilometers, no rider was able to break away decisively, leaving a group of 40 riders to reach Diekirch together. Gate clinched his victory with an attack shortly before the finish line, together with Benjamin Thomas (COF).

Aaron Gate: “I’d like to say that I expected to be up front in this race, but unfortunately that’s not the case at all. This win was definitely unexpected. At the end, Benjamin and I opened up a small gap. After that, I just had to finish the sprint.”