Greg Van Avermaet
«Ithere is emotion »
«I'm very happy. It's emotional. Winning is a really special feeling, and it's been a long time since I last raised my arms in victory (his last win was the Montreal Grand Prix in 2019). That's what we're all looking for when we start a race.
The rounds of the French Cup are not easy to predict, but today we managed perfectly with the team. Bastien (Tronchon) was in front for a long time. In the final packaging, Clément (Venturini) attacked hard and that put everyone on edge, which was perfect for me. On a finish like this, which is a bit punchy, I can still do great things. And I managed to win. Since the beginning of my professional career, I have given 100% at all times. The last few years have not been easy, but I have always remained motivated. I'm very happy to raise my arms for the first time in the AG2R CITROËN team jersey, it's a great way to thank them. I still have a few races left before the end of my career and I want to achieve more results. This gives me confidence. Next week, I'll be racing in the 4 Days of Dunkirk. There are two finishes that could suit me. We'll see how it goes. For now, I want to enjoy this successful weekend!»
”We managed perfectly with the team. Bastien (Tronchon) was in front for a long time. In the final sprint, Clément (Venturini) attacked very strongly.
The information
Giro d'Italia: Aurélien Paret-Peintre fifteenth overall after nine stages
Aurélien Paret-Peintre, winner at Lago Laceno (stage 4), is in fifteenth place in the overall classification of the Giro d'Italia after the first nine stages. «The second time trial this Sunday marks the end of the first part of this Giro d'Italia, note Didier Jannel, sporting director of the AG2R CITROËN team. We can say that the team has made a successful start to the Grand Tour.
Aurélien's victory is, of course, a great achievement. It fulfils one of the team's objectives for this Giro. Another is the best climber's jersey won by Paul (Lapeira) during the second stage. His withdrawal (due to illness) and Andrea's fall (Vendrame) are, conversely, some of the more negative points of these first nine days. We will start the second week with a group that is focused and motivated to seize every opportunity to move up the field and also help Aurélien achieve a good overall ranking.
The mountain is approaching and the road ahead is still long.»
5
The figure
The victory of Greg Van Avermaet is the fifth victory for the AG2R CITROËN team this season. Aurélien Paret-Peintre won the third stage of the Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var and the fourth stage of the Giro d'Italia.
Nans Peters won the Trofeo Laigueglia. Finally, Dorian Godon raised his arms in victory during the Flèche Brabançonne. Also noteworthy is the French cyclo-cross championship title won by Clément Venturini, fifth in today's Boucles de l'Aulne. This is the forty-second professional victory for Greg Van Avermaet and the first one wearing the AG2R CITROËN team jersey.
