Ewen Costiou (Groupama-FDJ United) won the final stage and the overall at the Étoile de Bessèges, coming out on top in the wet 10km time trial to take the lead from Lukáš Kubiš (Unibet Rose Rockets).
Costiou was the only rider to complete the 10km course, that finished with a 2.8km climb, in under 15 minutes, and after a wait, it was enough to earn him double victory on Sunday.
Kubiš, who had led the race since stage 3, finished 15th in the TT, dropping down to fourth overall.
After four sprinter-friendly stages, the final day began with 11 riders sitting within 20 seconds of leader Lukáš Kubiš, everything was still up for grabs in the test against the clock and several riders could take the stage win or the overall title, or indeed both.
The racing unfolded over a 10.5km course in wet and rainy Alès, with the first half flat but the finish coming at the top of the 2.8km Site de l’Ermitage climb. Eleven riders opted not to start the final stage, dodging the rain to wrap their race up early and not go for a result.
Lapeira was the obvious threat, having started the day in fifth with four seconds on Costiou, but ultimately his ride came up short, six seconds slower than Costiou and not enough to take the race lead. From there, the rest of the final riders couldn’t come close to Costiou’s time, and when leader Kubiš crossed the line some 35 seconds down on the time to beat, Costiou’s stage and overall victories were confirmed.
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