As expected, a bunch sprint concluded the first day of racing at the Région Pays de la Loire Tour this Tuesday, but it came after a tougher stage than anticipated. On the finishing straight in Vertou, Ethan Vernon ultimately took the win, while Paul Penhoët managed to find his way through the sprint and secured fourth place on the day. Another opportunity for the fast men should come on Wednesday.
On paper, given the relatively flat profile between Fontevraud-l’Abbaye and Vertou, there was little doubt that the first stage of the Pays de la Loire Region Tour would end in a sprint. However, the day was far from easy over the 187 kilometres on the program. “We didn’t expect it to be ridden so fast,” explained Thierry Bricaud. “There was a breakaway of seven riders, and with a tailwind, it made for a very fast stage. It’s also a difficult race to manage because there are only six riders per team, so you have to race smart. All of that, combined with the heat, which the riders are not yet used to, made for a demanding day.” “To be honest, I expected a slightly easier day,” confirmed Paul Penhoët. With forty kilometres to go, the peloton had closed to within less than a minute of the early breakaway, but the junction was only made much later. In the meantime, a few attacks emerged as the riders entered the finishing circuit, which had to be completed four times. Ewen Costiou and Tom Donnenwirth were among those who followed the moves. “With the general classification in mind, we had to stay vigilant and focused,” added Thierry. “Then, the goal was to set up a sprint for Paul, as we knew it was the best option for the day.”
“The team’s attitude is really great” – Paul Penhoët
“With these first warm temperatures, you know you usually only have one bullet,” said the young Frenchman. “I really tried to save as much energy as possible to use it in the sprint.” With one lap to go, meaning eight kilometers from the finish, the peloton was back together and heading toward a sprint finish. Then the fight for position intensified approaching the flamme rouge. “The approach was a bit complicated; the guys didn’t find one another exactly as they wanted, but there was commitment, and that’s positive,” said Thierry. In the final straight, Paul Penhoët managed to slip through and take fourth place, while Ethan Vernon claimed victory. “I’m still missing a bit in the sprint, but the guys really did a great job,” he insisted. “Everyone was 100% committed, Tom was still leading with 350 metres to go. Unfortunately, I wasn’t on his wheel, but the team’s attitude is really great, and that’s very encouraging for what’s next.” “The good news is that Paul was able to do his sprint,” added Thierry. “He still has his top speed, but he’s lacking a bit of confidence, and by doing sprints like today, he’ll be able to fine-tune things and regain his bearings. As soon as tomorrow, we hope for a better result!”On
Wednesday, the peloton will head toward Les Sables-d’Olonne. “On paper, it’s the last opportunity for the sprinters,” concluded Paul. “We’ll need to get it right, but Ewen is also here for the general classification, which is very important for the team. I hope to win tomorrow and then help the team and Ewen take the overall victory.”
