Published on : 09/18/2020
Just before the finish at Champs-Elysées, a particularly demanding race against the clock awaits the riders at the mythical Planche-des-Belles-Filles. An appointment where Guillaume Martin hopes to get good results.
Before arriving in Paris and enjoying the pleasure of the ride through the Champs-Élysées, there is still one stage left: 36.2 km to cover and a first category pass - la Planche des Belles Filles. Guillaume Martin explains: ""It's quite special because we will have to combine two types of tactics that are very opposite: having to ride very fast on the flat surface and then quickly find the way to climb the mountains". Guillaume Martin believes that "this kind of time trial, with its length and profile, can generate significant gaps".
The leader of the Cofidis team wants to keep his place at the gateway to the 'top 10' in the general classification (12th). He maintains his place as the 1st Frenchman. "It will be very demanding for all the riders", assures Cédric Vasseur. For the team's sprinters, like Elia Viviani, Simone Consonni and Christophe Laporte, the challenge will be to stay within the schedule. They will therefore have to remain particularly vigilant right until the end: only then will the riders reach Paris.
STAGE OF THE DAY - PÉRICHON ON THE ATTACK
Certainly, there were many competitors for this 166.5 km stage which led the riders from Bourg-en-Bresse and Champagnole. And the Cofidis riders tried their luck. From the very first kilometers, Guillaume Martin integrated a group of chasers before being overtaken again. Then, 40 km from the finish, Pierre-Luc Périchon tried to join Cavagna who was then alone in the lead. However, he was unable to keep up with the multiple accelerations. Finally, it should be noted that there was no change in the general classification where Guillaume Martin is still 12th (overall) and 1st Frenchman in the general classification.
REACTION
Guillaume MARTIN:
"I will approach the time trial very seriously, even if there's little chance that there will be a change in my position in the general classification. I think you always have to stay focused on this kind of events. It will also be a very good exercise for the following season and I'll try to do my best. »
