Stéphane Goubert
" It's clear that we're living through something fantastic ".
"We came here with podium ambitions, but you have to remain humble in this very demanding sport. If we're fourth after three weeks, that means we're where we should be. We have to be happy and satisfied with that, because it was the whole group that enabled Ben to reach fourth place. This collective effort was rewarded by victory in the overall team classification, and also by Valentin and Andrea, who were able to put their hard work into practice with two fine stage wins. For my part, it was one of my best grand tours, as we're always saying, but we've been on a superb run since the start of the season. It's clear that we're going through something fantastic, so we have to make the most of it and continue to achieve great things."
The news
Ten years on, a new victory in the team rankings
After being the best team in Giro in 2014, DECATHLON AG2R LA MONDIALE won the overall team classification in the 2024 edition. After a long battle with Ineos Grenadiers, the team's collective strength in the third week allowed them to pull ahead and secure their place as the best team in Giro .
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Key number
Valentin Retailleau, a member of the day's breakaway, managed to hold off the peloton in the final kilometers and won the last stage of the Boucles de la Mayenne: "We had a great day at the front with good teamwork, everyone taking turns to push to the finish. It worked, and in the end, it's my first professional victory, which is just incredible! We're having a great season, everyone is on the same wavelength, and having a leader like Benoît (Cosnefroy) come and congratulate you at the finish line is a wonderful reward," explains Valentin. On the same day, Aubin Sparfel secured another victory with Conti in the Tour Pays de Vaud.
