The peloton and fans alike were waiting for Froome (Sky) to simply wear down his opponents. Instead, the defending Tour de France champion threw his chain into a 54 tooth big ring and launched a surprise attack at the top of the Col de Peyresourde.
Fans praised Froome for the unexpected move and for the secret off-season skill training that saw him take the yellow jersey earlier than expected.
Others found it somewhat less beautiful.
Some were lost for words. Others, not so much.
Regardless of aesthetics, Froome was certainly fast.
His bike set up helped too.
Many agreed that it's best not to try stunts like this at home, just in case you end doing a tarmac pancake impersonation instead.
Even cyclists from other disciplines were impressed. Three-time world 4X champion Anneke Beerten (GT Factory Racing) put it as only a mountain biker could.
Artwork sprung up by morning.
This one even moves.
Then there were those that saw Froome's move in relation to much more pressing global issues.
Despite the mix of views, most people agreed that the surprise move was one of the highlights of the race so far.
It certainly positions him as a deserving champion if he takes home a third yellow jersey in Paris.
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