Paul Benhot is embodied among the greats

For months, Paul Penhoët had been in a relentless search for that first “win” at the highest level. This Saturday, the young runner from the Groupama-FDJ cycling team finally managed to check that box and free himself from the weight. In a tough final at the Tour du Finistère, the former La Conte resident showed his resistance in the bumps first, then let his brisk pace do the rest in the last 200 metres. Thus, not only did he open his account at this level, but he also achieved his – and long-awaited – third team success of the season. Romain Grégoire secured 10th place for the day while Paul Penhoët reached 2nd in the individual classification for the Coupe de France-FDJ.

After a short week of Morbihan Grand Prix and Tro Bro Leon, Groupama-FDJ is back in Brittany this weekend, with the Tour du Finistère this Saturday ahead of the Boucles de l’Aulne scheduled for Sunday. Almost 200km make up the first class this weekend, between Saint-Évarzec and Quimper, and it was a very young group with Benoit Vaugrenard at the helm. Promoted from La Conte, Ronan Augie and Eddie Lou Huitos join five men still on the frontiers of the Reserve in 2022. The fact remains that Paul Benhuit, Romain Gregoire, Lawrence Bethe, Lorenzo Germani and Samuel Watson are overflowing with ambition. “We really don’t have any complexesThe group feud captured. We run like in the second row last year, we don’t look at the racing level, and that’s the way to go. We are not shy and that is in our favor.”. So the only goal of the day was victory, and a careful plan was drawn up in that perspective while the breakaway consisted of Calum Johnston (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA), Iker Ballarín-Manso (Uskaltec-Uskády) and Carlos García Berna (Ikebo). Kern Pharma), Matisse Julien (Ecoflo Chronos) and Axel Narbonne Zuccarelli (Nice Métropole Côte d’Azur). “We know that the Tour du Finistère is often played in the final, Benoit explained. Ronan Augé did an excellent job of maintaining the breakaway and then we got to the Locronan bump, which was very difficult, as Ronan started accelerating. We wanted to make changes in the race, and tire out the runners. We know Paul prefers races that are a little tough.”

“It gives me confidence in the future,” Paul Benhoett

The attacks began about sixty kilometers from the target, and then doubled. However, none of it was steep enough, and the peloton remained relatively compact for a while. Less than thirty miles from the goal, Laurence Pithie finally managed to open a breach in the company of Luca Van Boven (Bingoal-WB) and Antoine Raugel (AG2R Citroën). Lawrence was expected to move around the ringAnd what he did and it was very good, Benedict pointed out. It allowed us to breathe well behind us.” The New Zealander, winner of the Cholet-Pays de Loire, never made much use of the leeway, but managed to get his work done ten kilometers from the target. Once the regrouping was done, it became clear that everything would be decided on the final kilometer uphill in Quimper. “I told them we should have no regrets about being in such a bad place, because it’s a fairly short climb, that you can lose places quickly because of the berms, Benedict added. We had to be in the first 6-7 and I think the guys had faith in them.” “Everyone rode well, especially Lorenzo to get back to the guys in the final, Paul related. Then Roman tried to go all the way to the hills. Unfortunately, the level was too uniform and could not get out. So there was still my card, in the enemy.”

Despite the steady pace on the final downhills, Paul Benhot was able to overtake the final corner in sixth place, before entering the final straight. “It’s a punchy bump, still too shortExplain the young man. Last week I lacked confidence at the Grand Prix du Morbihan. If I had more confidence on the last bump I certainly could have done better, and I came here with a desire to do well and win. On the last lap, Benoit told us to the headset ‘confidence, confidence, confidence’ and that was really the word I needed to hear.” This also prompted him to sprint 150 meters from the line. And once he took control, he never let go. Therefore, he grabbed his first victory of the season and with authority, and at this level. “I managed to put bottom, which is great for the teamcaptured upon arrival. It was really a team race, as in all Coupes de France since the beginning of the year. We get along very well with this group of young people. It is absolutely amazing. The atmosphere on the table, at the race and throughout the day is great, and that’s the way to go. Personally, it’s great and gives me confidence for the future, especially the 4 days of Dunkirk.”

“Highlights La Conte’s Work”, Benoit Vaugrenard

Comforted by his first win at this level, Paul Benhot also delivered a full team spirit on Saturday. “This win is good for the team because we have collected a lot of second places recently, Benoit added. We wanted him to turn around, and it was over. Paul was also turning around this year. He had a few places of honor and was able to seize the opportunity presented to him today. Kudos to him. This victory will do him the most good, and will really give him confidence. Moreover, it is a real satisfaction to win a super young team, of which Samuel was the eldest in his prime at 21 years old. It also highlights La Conti’s work, because five of them have just left and two are currently in existence. It is a true symbol of everything the team has done for training for years. We also expected guys from Conte to help us in the Coupe de France FDJ, which was kind of their goal. We wanted them to be actors. We’ve won two Tours so far, with Lawrence and Paul. They are where we expected them.