Cycling. Thibault Guernalec’s nice time on the Etoile de Bessèges – Cycling
Star of Bessèges
If the event of this edition of the Étoile de Bessèges is the victory of Benjamin Thomas (Cofidis), who won his first stage race, the Châteaulinois Thibault Guernalec also distinguished himself.
Eighth overall behind his teammate Connor Swift, the Arkea Samsic rider finished fifth in the last timed stage. And in front of him, there were only beautiful people, starting with the fastest on the 10.6 kilometers of the course, the Italian specialist Filippo Ganna.
“I am very happy with this time which confirms my good winter preparation. In front of me, there were good riders and I did not finish so far from them (18 seconds from Ganna). No glitches have happened to me this winter. I wanted to do well on Bessèges, which is a race that I like because the stages are generally selective, and on seeing it with the curbs, and because there is a time to finish. The winner can only be a complete runner. »
Thibault Guernalec wants to take a step
What will be next for Thibault Guernalec? “I will continue with the Tour of Murcia on Saturday (February 12), the Almeria classic on Sunday, then the Tour of Algarve from February 16, where a fairly long time is planned (32.2 km during the 4th stage, February 19). There will be a good plateau. Doing another top 5 on this time would be great, but a top 10 would suit me too. »
At 24, the Châteaulinois has in any case started a season well during which he hopes to reach a level. This means “getting on the podium at the French time trial championships and being able to compete in a Grand Tour”. »