Published on : 05/27/2022
By winning the sprint during the 2nd stage, Benjamin Thomas shows his brilliant form. He took advantage of this to take the lead in the general classification and got his 3rd victory of the season, the 10th for Cofidis in 2022. From now on, the whole team will be working hard to defend his 1st place!
A victory in a sprint, in small groups, with a lot of passion and drive. If Benjamin Thomas raised his arms this Friday afternoon at the end of the 2nd stage of the Boucles de la Mayenne, it's because he gave it his all, and believed in it until the end. During this steep, 171 km long stage, with many difficulties, the Cofidis team was able to be patient, while asserting itself as a major player in the race.
A collective victory
Eddy Finé and Alexandre Delettre were among the breakaway riders for a while. Eddy was there again on the second climb, this time alongside the future winner of the day, Benjamin Thomas. In a strong group, composed of the leaders of the competition, the two men stayed consolidated their effort. And in the final, when only six riders were still capable of claiming victory, Benjamin fought hard to succeed in his sprint and cross the line as winner.
This victory allows him to take the lead in the general classification, ahead of Benoit Cosnefroy. From now on, the team will give everything during the whole weekend in order to keep this 1st position in the general classification and to offer to Benjamin Thomas and Cofidis their 2nd victory on a race with stages, after the Étoile de Bessèges at the beginning of the season.
BENJAMIN'S WINS IN NUMBERS
3rd stage victory for Benjamin this season
7th victory for Benjamin in the professional category
7 Cofidis riders won this season
9th victory for Cofidis in France in 2022
10th victory of the season for Cofidis
THEY SAID
Benjamin THOMAS, 1st :
"The final was very hard with a very demanding last climb. It was a sprint like I enjoy and I am obviously very happy with the outcome. Tactically, we decided to join a breakaway with Eddy (Finé) and Alexandre (Delettre). At the foot of the last climb, I decided to anticipate and set a big pace. I launched my sprint early and it worked. This is the kind of races that I like because I can show my qualities. I wanted to have fun at the Boucles de la Mayenne. I enjoy myself and it's turned out good also for the team. We're now going to do everything necessary to defend the jersey right until the end!"
Christian GUIBERTEAU, sport Director :
"It's a great news to win again today! We have to salute the collective effort with many attacks made on us. Our riders knew how to be active in the race, especially on the final lap which was very demanding. It was a tough race with a very good sprint from Benjamin against serious candidates for the victory. It has been a hard work on the part of the team and it's great to see it rewarded today."