Published on : 09/12/2020
The Italian rider celebrates his 26th birthday in the best possible way: 3rd place in the stage of the day between Clermont-Ferrand and Lyon. This is the 8th time since the beginning of the Tour de France that a rider of the Cofidis team has finished a stage in the top 10.
He needed to come to his senses, dripping with sweat and his face marked by the effort. But the smile was there and for a good reason: Simone Consonni finished 3rd at the end of a breathtaking final in the streets of Lyon. The Italian, who is competing in his first Tour de France, showed an outstanding race craft at the end of a particularly demanding stage.
He then found himself at the front of the peloton, 15 seconds behind the winner of the day, Soren Kragh Andersen, before crossing the line alongside the sprinting stars. Since the beginning of the Tour, Simone Consonni has been committed to giving his teammates all he can to support them. Exemplary alongside Elia Viviani and Christophe Laporte in the sprints, he has also been invaluable in helping the team leader, Guillaume Martin.
Already the 8th 'Top 10' since the beginning of the Tour
The young Italian also demonstrates the ability of the Cofidis team to be at the forefront of this Tour de France. Since the beginning of this Tour de France, the riders of the team have climbed into the top 10 eight times: Elia Viviani (6th of stage 1, 4th of stage 6), Jésus Herrada (2nd of stage 6, 5th of stage 12), Christophe Laporte (4th of stage 7) and Guillaume Martin (3rd of stage 4, 7th of stage 9).
Tomorrow, the road will climb again. After the Pyrenees and the Massif Central, it is time for the first Alpine stage. Riders will take three of the four access routes to one of the most famous alpine passes. At the end of the stage- a 11.7 kilometer-long climb at 12%. A playground that corresponds to the qualities of Guillaume Martin, who will be eager to be part of the leaders of the race.
THEY SAID...
Simone CONSONNI:
"The team did a great job at the end of the stage to allow me to stay in front and compete in the sprint. My teammates protected me all the way to the finish line. I can feel that I am improving day by day on this Tour de France. It can only be encouraging for the future! »
Guillaume MARTIN:
"It was another intense day! We were vigilant throughout the race to stay in the yellow jersey pack. In the final, Pierre-Luc (Périchon) positioned us very well and we made a nice podium with Simone (Consonni). As for me, there is obviously a little bit of tiredness but I will try to do my best."
Cédric VASSEUR:
"It was a great opportunity today to show what Simone (Consonni) is worth; because of the Bora's pressure at the beginning of the race, Elia (Viviani) didn't have the opportunity to try his luck in the final. Christophe (Laporte) suffered from cramps in the last climb. We thus played the card of Simone who is a very talented rider. He got an honourable 3rd place which will help him to gain confidence for the rest of the race. »