Benoit Cosnefroy wins Bretagne Classic: I knew it was possible to beat Julian Alaphilippe
Aug 30 2021 10:36 am CET
AG2R Citroën Team
AG2R-Citroën's Benoit Cosnefroy has taken the victory of the Bretagne Classic - Ouest-France, while two riders of Deceuninck-Quick-Step completed the podium.
The 85th edition of the French race was 251 kilometres long over a rolling course with a start and finish in Plouay. The one-day race had several movements and escape groups, which meant that it was a very active race that was unpredictable.
With around 30 kilometres to go, Mikkel Frolich Honore, Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick-Step), Benoit Cosnefroy (AG2R Citroën) and Alessandro De Marchi (Israel Start-Up Nation) formed the definitive escape of the day. The Italian rider of the Israeli team couldn't keep up with the speed of the other three, leaving them to fight for the victory.
Cosnefroy won the final sprint against the World Champion, while Honoré crossed the finish line three second behind the two of them. A group that included Ethan Hayter. Connor Swift, Franck Bonnamour, Jasper Stuyven and Valentin Madouas, arrived 13 seconds behind the front trio.
"I'm super happy, it's my first UCI WorldTour victory, I have been waiting for it," said Cosnefroy. "It feels really good, especially after an aggressive race, like I like. The sprint is really special here, and I knew it was possible to beat Julian Alaphilippe. I was confident; it was a race of attrition."
Benoit Cosnefroy wins Bretagne Classic: I knew it was possible to beat Julian Alaphilippe https://t.co/RJUpM9TJmt
— CyclingPub (@CyclingPub) August 30, 2021
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