Cycling: Julien Simon (Cofidis) won the Tour du Finistère one-day race. The Frenchman attacked irresistibly on the final climb and won by several bike lengths.
The Tour du Finistère as part of the Coupe de France
In the sunshine, the pros made their way from Saint-Évarzec to Quimper over 187,5 kilometers today in the Tour du Finistère. First, six breakaways characterized the race, later three. Together they were able to pull out a lead of over eight minutes. When there were numerous attacks in the peloton – including from top teams – the last fugitives were caught and a new group formed at the front in Brittany. The constant up and down, as well as the many changes of direction made sure that no team really managed to take control.
Hard fight of the French teams
With two men in the freshly assembled leading group, the AG2R La Mondiale team took matters into their own hands. Alexis Gougeard, who was already the initiator of the chasing group, tried his hand as a soloist. Behind them, the Total – Direct Energie team in particular felt it was their duty and followed suit. But the team didn't manage to reduce the gap significantly. Captain also recognized this Jonathan Hivert (Total - Direct Energy). The Frenchman attacked and tried to catch up as a soloist. After a long man-to-man fight, he succeeded. The new constellation ensured that Groupama – FDJ had to catch up in the main field – and was able to close the gap to the top duo a few minutes later.
Simon unstoppable on the last climb
Team Cofidis held back for a long time and responded to attacks more defensively. However, when the peloton turned into the last hill, they attacked Julien simon irresistible. No one was able to stay on their rear wheel and the pursuers were not able to reconnect over the last few meters. For the Italian Andrea Vendrame (Androni Giocattoli – Sidermec) and the Belgian Baptiste Planckaert (Wallonia – Bruxelles) only finished second and third. The Swiss Sebastien Reichenbach (Groupama – FDJ) finished 14th.
????????@juliensimon85 of 🇫🇷@TeamCOFIDIS wins 🇫🇷#TourDuFinistere (📺Eurosport Player) pic.twitter.com/0492OOXKmF
- World Cycling Stats (@wcsbike) 20 April 2019
Leave a Comment