After three intense weeks of racing, the riders of the DECATHLON AG2R LA MONDIALE team crossed the finish line of the 108th edition of the Giro d'Italia, a race marked by resilience and daring. The team returns to France with a stage victory, won by Nicolas Prodhomme, and 15th place in the overall classification.
Luke Roberts
« We never stopped persevering and believing in it. »
«This Giro got off to a rather difficult start, with demanding stages in Albania, a fast pace, and of course the unfortunate loss of Geoffrey Bouchard. We hoped that new opportunities would arise in the sprints and breakaways once we arrived in Italy. At first, we were unable to capitalise on the sprints, and the stages that were conducive to breakaways often turned into battles for the general classification.
But as the days went by, we felt the riders gaining momentum and getting closer to a good result. We came close with 5th and 6th places, and we knew we had what it takes to do something special. We were convinced that if we remained consistent, an opportunity would eventually pay off.
The third week was key to our perseverance. Nicolas Prodhomme was in excellent shape, and we knew that if we could get him to the front in the mountain stages, he would have a real chance. At that point, there were only queen stages or stages destined for the battle for the overall classification left, so we had to believe in it. We knew what we were capable of, we never gave up, and it paid off. Nicolas was incredibly strong to go out and get a well-deserved victory.
He also finished 15th in the overall standings — a result we weren't particularly aiming for, as our main goal was a stage victory. We tried to save his energy by letting him rest on certain days. So this ranking is a huge bonus, which is nothing but positive. This race will be a real confidence boost for him, confirming his good form, his excellent start to the season, and showing what he is capable of on a Grand Tour. It's very promising for the future.»
The figures
1
1 stage victory, Nicolas Prodhomme's victory in the 19th stage of the Giro. Leading for 160 km and climbing nearly 5,000 metres, the climber held off the leaders in the overall classification by attacking alone in the last 28 km to win in Champoluc, in one of the most difficult stages of this Giro.
15
15th, Nicolas Prodhomme's position in the final overall classification of the 108th edition of the Giro d'Italia. The Normandy-born cyclist also finished third in the best climber classification.
2
2 Fuga trophies, awarded to the rider who spent the most time in the breakaway during a stage, won by Nicolas Prodhomme (stages 7 and 19).
1
1 prize at the final podium in Rome, the intermediate sprint, won by Dries de Bondt
1 prize for the best team in stage 12
