After a promising Giro, Lorenzo Germani capitalized on his current form this Wednesday to secure a solid fifth place in the demanding opening time trial of La Route d’Occitanie. At the end of the 10.5-kilometre course, the young Italian finished just twenty seconds behind today’s winner, Raul Garcia Pierna. Tomorrow, despite the hilly terrain, a sprint finish is expected in Carmaux.
Between Saint-Affrique and Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, the start of the Route d’Occitanie was set to be spicy, to say the least, on Wednesday, with the short time trial serving as the first stage. “First there was a five-kilometre climb averaging 4.5/5%, then a three-kilometre descent, and a two-kilometre climb averaging 5% to finish with,” explained Yvon Caër. “So it was a very demanding course, and a very specific effort. The best finished at an average speed of 40 km/h. So it required climbing abilities but also power. In addition to the difficult course, it was also particularly hot today.” Cyril Barthe opened the day for the Groupama-FDJ cycling team shortly after 2 p.m. with a solid time of 16:30. Tom Donnenwirth finished in 16:42, Rudy Molard in 16:48, Rémy Rochas in 16:28, Kevin Geniets in 16:35, then Lorenzo Germani and Thibaud Gruel were the last two men to tackle the course. Ultimately, the Italian set a superb time of 15:48, while his French teammate crossed the line in 16:17.
“I was very motivated”, Lorenzo Germani
“Even though he set a good time (17th), it was probably a bit difficult for Thibaud,” said Yvon. “This course didn’t suit him 100%. On the other hand, Rémy needed a slightly tougher course, as time trial isn’t his specialty, even though he’s done relatively well.” Solid on the flat and on the climbs, Lorenzo Germani found suitable terrain to secure fifth place today, his best result since turning professional. “I recovered well after the Giro, I resumed training last week, and I was very motivated to give it my all today,” said the Italian. “I liked this time trial, even though it was hard. You had to stay in position because even though it was uphill, it was also quite rolling. I think I put in a very good performance; it shows my progress, and I’m happy with that. I hope it carries on.” “Lorenzo’s ride is a great satisfaction, but we’re not surprised because he was already very good at the Giro,” added Yvon. “I’m super happy with his performance.”
Raul Garcia Pierna won this opening stage with a time of 15:28. “Some climbers positioned themselves already, but Friday’s stage is so difficult that a lot of things could change,” concluded Yvon. “We’ll take the stages one after the other, starting from tomorrow. It’s a day more suited to the rouleurs/sprinters. Several teams will be considering a sprint finish, and we also have the cards to play.”
