After three days of racing on Swiss roads, Clément Berthet remains in contention for a good overall result at the Tour de Romandie. Notably present in the main group of favorites during Wednesday’s first decisive stage, the Frenchman sits in eleventh place ahead of a very demanding weekend.
As is traditionally the case at the Tour de Romandie, the week began with a prologue on Tuesday, in the streets of Villars-sur-Glâne. Just 3,200 meters had to be covered to kick things off, and Dorian Godon took the win with a time of 3:35. “The course was quite straightforward,” explained Maxime Latourte. “There were two technical corners, a flat start, a slight downhill, and then a short climb to finish. It suited a punchy sprinter’s effort. We didn’t have the best cards to fight for the win in this kind of prologue, but we were fairly confident we’d have good depth and be able to put some riders towards the front.” That proved true, as Maxime Decomble (13th), Lorenzo Germani (16th), and Rémi Cavagna (17th) all finished in the top 20, about 12–15 seconds behind the winner. David Gaudu, meanwhile, was unable to fully express himself due to a puncture and a bike change in the early part of the course.
“We’re in the mix”– Thierry Bricaud
Entering the first road stage, the overall standings were, of course, still very tight, but a first real selection was set to take place around Martigny on Wednesday. After three laps including the climb of La Rasse (2.5 km at 8.5%), the peloton headed toward the ascent of Ovronnaz (9 km at 10%) with about forty kilometers remaining. After that came a long descent followed by twenty-two kilometres on flat roads. As expected, Tadej Pogačar launched an attack on the main climb but was joined by three riders all the way to the finish. Behind them, a chasing group of around fifteen riders formed, and Clément Berthet bridged across to it after a strong descent. “It was a real hard climb, and we got a first indication of everyone’s condition,” said Thierry Bricaud. “It set the tone for what’s to come, and it was encouraging.” The French climber finished in twelfth place, 21 seconds behind the leading quartet, while Maxime Decomble crossed the line in 18th place at 1:51. Josh Kench (29th) could also have finished with the young rider from Provence if not for a missed corner on the final descent.
On Thursday, the second stage was raced at a demanding pace on a rolling profile, behind a strong breakaway controlled by Ineos Grenadiers and UAE Team Emirates. The selection was therefore made from the back, including on the final climb of Vuillens (3 km at 5.5%), where thirty-two riders got away before reaching the finish two kilometers later. Tadej Pogačar won a reduced bunch sprint in a group that included Clément Berthet (13th), Rémy Rochas (14th), and Josh Kench (27th). “We’re in the mix, with a solid Clément who’s starting his season well,” commented Thierry. “A big weekend lies ahead. We need to keep targeting the top 10, and that will allow Clément to move forward with confidence. There will likely also be a stage to go for on Friday or Saturday, and we’ll need to be opportunistic.” Ahead of the final three stages, Clément Berthet sits in eleventh place overall, 57 seconds behind the leader, but just sixteen seconds off fifth place.
