Often in the mix in recent seasons at Il Lombardia U23, “La Conti” Groupama-FDJ United once again delivered on Saturday in the 2026 edition. Two years after Brieuc Rolland’s victory and one year after Baptiste Grégoire’s top-10 finish, the French squad secured an impressive top-five result thanks to Yann Dubois (5th), who was part of a chasing group alongside Rémi Daumas (11th). A fine way to approach the final stretch of the season.
Unlike the « big boys », the U23 riders did not pass through Como or Bergamo on Saturday for their own edition of Il Lombardia. However, the iconic climb of Madonna del Ghisallo was very much on their route, with the 177-kilometre course also featuring three other explosive climbs in the final around Oggiono. Near this same town, a first 20-kilometre hilly circuit was covered four times by the riders, but no breakaway was able to establish itself. “Four riders eventually went clear along Lake Como, the peloton eased off and they were able to reach the Madonna del Ghisallo with a 3’30 lead,” Jérôme recalled. “As soon as the climb started, the Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team accelerated, Henrique Bravo attacked on his own and it was impossible to follow him.” The Brazilian, one of the race favourites, embarked on a solo ride of around 50 kilometres and reached the summit of Madonna del Ghisallo (8.5 km at 5.5%) with a lead of around 40 seconds over a fragmented peloton. “Rémi and Yann were in the first group of around fifteen riders, with Baptiste just behind,” Jérôme explained.
“It gives us hope for the years to come” – Jérôme Gannat
On the long descent leading towards the finishing circuit, the first two groups of the peloton came back together before the battle for the remaining places began. It first unfolded on the steep, consecutive climbs of Chiaré (900m at 10%) and Muro dell’Alpino (1km at 10%), before continuing on the Marconaga di Ello climb (2km at 7%), just seven kilometres from the finish. “That final circuit was extremely difficult,” Jérôme pointed out. “We had three riders in the peloton and they all tried to get away. It was eventually decided on the final climb, where a small group of eight riders went clear, with Yann and Rémi. They both tried to anticipate the sprint, but they arrived together in the fight for fourth place, behind Bravo, a rider from the first breakaway, and Scalco, who had attacked from the peloton earlier.” In the battle for a top result, Yann Dubois produced a strong sprint to take fifth place on the day, while Rémi Daumas narrowly missed out on the top 10 (11th). “More than a surprise, it was really satisfying to see them up there,” Jérôme said. “We always hope for more, but Bravo was out of reach. Overall, the team performed well, and the big positive is seeing Yann take fifth place in his first year as a U23 rider, against a strong field. It gives us hope for the years to come.”
For now, “La Conti” will contest its final team race of the season at Paris-Tours U23 next Sunday, where it secured a one-two finish last year. “It will be difficult to do better, but we have a competitive team at this stage of the season for the U23 races,” Jérôme concluded. “It’s reassuring because we were coming off a mixed period with the Tour de l’Avenir, where we were certainly present, but not necessarily with high results. It’s always important to finish on a positive note, with riders performing at this level. It’s encouraging for what lies ahead.”
