The team change did good to Nacer Bouhanni. After five seasons at Cofidis, the sprinter from Nancy, now installed near Aix-en-Provence, has joined the ambitious Arkea-Samsic this year. And he has found his way back to success ... After a white 2019 season marked by many misunderstandings with the staff of Cofidis and his manager Cédric Vasseur, Bouhanni (29) has resumed his career.
Last Friday, he erased a 17-month period without a win by winning a stage in the Tour of Saudi Arabia (2nd overall). This Thursday, he was the fastest in the sprint during the 1st stage of the Tour de la Provence between Châteaurenard and Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (Bouches-du-Rhône), ahead of the Italians Mareczko (CCC Polsast) and Nizzolo (NTT Pro Cycling).
"Why not aim for the last leg on Sunday?"
The French had not won in France since June 14, 2018 and the first stage of the Tour d'Occitanie. At the start, Bouhanni was not to come to Tour la Provence but the cancellation of the Tour of Oman changed his program.
“Two wins at the start of the season, it's been a long time since this happened to me, savor the sprinter. I'm really happy, the Arkea-Samsic team trusts me and I hope to bring them a lot of victories. The team did a great job today ( Editor's note: Thursday ). Maxime Bouet drove all day and Warren Barguil did a big job in the final at the head of the pack to get back on the fumbles. Me, I was far at 300 meters but I produced my effort well. The team's objective will now be the general with Nairo (Quintana) and the stages for Warren. For my part, why not aim for the last step on Sunday? Again appeased, Bouhanni regained his appetite.