Arnaud Démare conquered, as a strong man, his third title of champion of France at Grand-Champ (Morbihan). The 28-year-old Groupama-FDJ rider, who will not compete in the Tour de France (August 29 - September 20) where his team will be built around his leader Thibaut Pinot, at rest this Sunday, was ahead in the sprint Bryan Coquard (Vittal -Concept) and Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck - Quick Step).
“It's an exceptional title, the most beautiful for me, with a team that did a great job,” says Démare. I was still a little worried at one point, but in the last few kilometers, I knew that we were going to close the gap with the group because we were at the limit. I knew Julian was going to attack. I was also scared of Bryan's rush of speed, but my legs lived up to my expectations. ”
Groupama-FDJ in excess
On a course lacking a little relief, Marc Madiot's troop, which numbered 17 riders (13 from the World Tour team, 4 from the Continental), indeed seemed too strong and too numerous to be surprised. Guillaume Martin (Cofidis), in a group of about fifteen riders, tried to make the difference 50 km from the finish, like Romain Bardet (AG2R) at about ten kilometers, but the seconds grabbed were too thin.
It was Julian Alaphilippe who finally blew up the padlock in the last difficulty, less than 4 km from the finish. Arnaud Démare was initially unable to resist his attack, before closing the gap with the help of Bryan Coquard. And to settle everyone.