The DECATHLON AG2R LA MONDIALE team finished on the podium in both races today. In the Région Pays de la Loire Tour, Sam Bennett won the first stage in a sprint finish and took the lead in the general classification. In the Itzulia Basque Country, Bastien Tronchon contested the final sprint and took third place.
Pays de la Loire Region Tour
Sam Bennett
"A magnificent team victory
"I'm very happy. My teammates did an incredible job in a pretty tough stage finish today. Everyone was great, and I'm particularly impressed by the young riders the team, who rode as if they had a lot of experience. It also put pressure on me, because I had to finish the job. I'm very lucky to be riding for this team, and I want to live up to expectations. A victory like this makes me think I can win again at WorldTour level. I can feel it, I just need that final push and I know it's close. We're at the top of the general classification in the Région Pays de la Loire Tour we're going to do everything we can to try to control the race. What's more, I'm not alone, there are other riders the team like Noa (Isidore) who can compete in the general classification. We'd really like to win here."
Itzulia Basque Country
Bastien Tronchon
"I wanted to get a good result".
"It was a great finish. I've been sprinting well in training lately and I knew there was a chance to win a stage today in the Tour the Basque Country. I wanted to give it a shot and the team was motivated, my teammates did a great job. In the end, I finished third and I'm pretty happy with the result, even though I think I could have done even better if I had been better positioned in the last corner. I don't often get the chance to compete in the sprint, so it's a great experience."
The news
Triple podium for Sam Bennett
By winning the first stage of Tour Région Pays de la Loire Tour, Sam Bennett not only claimed victory but also took the lead in the general classification and the best sprinter classification. He will wear the leader's jersey during the second stage.
4
Key number
Like Tord Gudmestad's place in this first stage of Tour Région Pays de la Loire Tour. After perfectly launching Sam Bennett, the Norwegian sprinter maintained his speed to take 4th place in today's stage.
