Published on : 08/16/2026
Hugo Page finally gets his reward! The French rider has secured his first victory for Cofidis at the end of a race that was very much in his style. Hugo showed patience before launching his sprint and winning by a whisker at the Polynormande, his first race back after the Tour de France. With Alex Aranburu taking third place, Hugo has secured Cofidis’ ninth victory of the season.
At last, he was able to savour the moment and celebrate. Hugo Page has finally secured his first victory with Cofidis. The French rider has settled into the team quickly and demonstrated all his qualities throughout the season. A key member of the Tour de France squad, he returned to competition with the same energy and enthusiasm this Sunday on the roads of the Polynormande.
Hugo and Alex: a race full of cunning
As is often the case, the Normandy race was particularly frenzied, with non-stop attacks in the final stages. But Hugo and Alex Aranburu were alert and remained well positioned. A group of strong riders reformed in the final stages, and the two Cofidis riders were among them. Hugo showed patience and launched his attack in the final stretch. Having seized the advantage, he was able to celebrate under the watchful eye of Alex Aranburu (3rd), who was quick to congratulate him.
Thanks to Hugo’s talent, the Cofidis team has returned to winning ways: this is their ninth victory of the season. As a testament to the team’s dynamism, Hugo is the seventh Cofidis rider to have won a race in 2026. Hugo has every reason to be delighted, as he hadn’t raised his arms in victory since the Tour du Limousin three years ago. And it’s perfect timing: Hugo and the Cofidis team are set to compete in the Tour du Limousin in two days’ time.
Hugo Page:
“I’m obviously very proud. I battled hard for three weeks on the Tour de France, and it’s never easy. You don’t always manage to achieve what you set out to do during the season. It had been three years since my last win, and I’m delighted to have done it here. I’m also very happy to have achieved this whilst riding for Cofidis, who’ve placed their trust in me for three years. It’s a reward for all the hard work and the constant support of my loved ones. The race? We knew the finish was very tough and that it could come down to the wire. I was able to benefit from Alex (Aranburu)’s brilliant work right to the end. I settled into his slipstream and waited for the right moment to launch my sprint, and it worked. I know I don’t get many chances to shine, and I’m pleased to kick off the second half of the season like this. There are some great races ahead for me. When everything’s right in my head and my legs, I know I can achieve great things!”
Benjamin Giraud, sports director:
“We came into this race aiming for a big result. We put in a very solid team performance, which is why only three riders finished. Everyone worked really well; they managed to shoulder the burden of the race all day long. In the final stages, it was quite disjointed, but we were always at the front, particularly with Alex and Hugo. We went into the sprint with around twenty riders. Hugo skilfully made the difference to secure this fine victory!”