2023-10-02 15:00:49
The French sprinter achieved his first success with his new team, Arkéa-Samsic, in the Tour de Vendée. Paul Penhoët, second, wins the general classification of the Coupe de France.
The smile was big, broad and sincere at the finish line. Arnaud Démare won his first victory with Arkéa-Samsic, a few months following leaving Groupama-FDJ, in the Tour de Vendée yesterday. The sprinter made short work of his competitors in the final straight.
“It’s a lot of emotions, I’ve been really struggling lately”, he whispered upon arrival. Covid and then the conflict with David Gaudu hurt his season, he who wanted to compete in the Tour de France and was aiming for 100 professional victories (Editor’s note: he has 94). “It’s a superb collective victory. I’m very happy. There is Laurent Pichon who is ending his career, it’s my first for Arkéa, it’s really great. The whole team did a number. At one point, I even said to myself that we were putting too much energy early on”he smiled.
Paul Penhoët, winner of the Coupe de France
Finishing second in the Tour, Paul Penhoët won the general classification of the Coupe de France. The 21-year-old rider, who has two victories and six podiums this season, thus ticks off a long-standing goal. “Feelings are a little mixed because I came to score a double blow, notes the Groupama-FDJ rider. It was a stressful day with this dual mission. I have two races left, I still hope to win one to fulfill my personal goal”. He becomes the youngest winner of the Coupe de France. Sandy Dujardin completes the podium of the 51st edition of the Tour de Vendée.
Peter Sagan’s Right
This race was the last in the Slovak’s career. Playing the role of pilot fish for the final victory, the TotalEnergies rider finished in 9th position. An anecdotal place for the three-time world champion, the holder of the green jersey in the Tour de France seven times, the man with 121 victories. Peter Sagan can now devote himself to mountain biking, a discipline in which he hopes to perform and participate in the Olympic Games.
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