Huang Chong considered it, but decided not to join the breakaway.
He had little interest in the two special jerseys himself.
Besides, he was well aware of his current abilities. While he might be able to drop the other breakaway riders on the final climb, he couldn't guarantee he could maintain a solo ride to the finish after the descent, especially with 20km still to go.
'Since I'm not confident I can win the stage, a breakaway is pointless.'
The speed of a peloton full of World Tour Cyclists in full pursuit was nothing to scoff at.
Only riders at the level of Pogačar or van der Poel could pull off a solo victory over tens of kilometers. With his FTP Power still below 400W, it was virtually impossible for him to survive a 20km solo effort to the finish line.
So, Huang Chong stayed with his teammates, lying low and drafting at the back of the peloton.
However, unlike the first two days of the race, the climb up Qingxiu Mountain was brutal.
