Published on : 08/25/2026
The Belgian, the favourite for the first stage of the Tour du Poitou-Charentes, lived up to his status by winning the sprint in commanding fashion at the end of a stage that was completely controlled by the Cofidis team. Milan has thus secured Cofidis’s 10th victory of the season. That should give the team a real confidence boost for the rest of the season!
Milan Fretin is patiently continuing his rise and is set to keep flying the Cofidis colours high for some time to come. Having already claimed victory in Andalusia at the start of the season (Stage 3), Milan made his Tour de France debut in July. With a team built to support him in the sprints, he made his mark on several occasions. Milan finished in the ‘top 10’ on three occasions: in Pau (8th), Nevers (4th) and Chalon-sur-Saône (5th).
Another superb team effort
Back in competition, Milan showed that he had lost none of his talent. He secured 6th place at the ADAC Cyclassics in Germany, thanks to the invaluable work done by Benjamin Thomas in the breakaway. A week later, it was in France that Milan found his way back to victory.
The Belgian rider knew that the route of this first stage of the Tour du Poitou-Charentes suited him. But he had to capitalise on the opportunity: thanks to the whole team’s commitment and their determination right to the end, Milan was put in the best possible position. All he had to do was launch one final attack – incisive and sharp enough to outpace all his rivals and claim victory in commanding fashion.
This is therefore already the Cofidis team’s tenth victory this season. And it’s not over yet: the Tour du Poitou-Charentes will be a great opportunity to continue to shine. Indeed, there are still three stages to go and a leader’s jersey to defend…
Reactions:
Milan Fretin :
“I’m absolutely delighted! It’s been a long time since I last won, so I was even more motivated coming here. I felt good, I was in good shape and I’d already shown that in Hamburg (6th). We came here with high hopes and we wanted to win. I’m thrilled that we managed it on the very first day! The team worked hard for me throughout the stage and I’d like to thank them all. The best way to repay them for what they’ve done was to win. It was a perfect day for us and this victory really is for the team. We’ll approach the rest of the race with a little less pressure, but tomorrow we’ll do everything we can to win again.”
Evaldas Siškevičius, sporting director:
“We’re absolutely delighted; it was exactly as we’d planned. We knew we’d have to put in the work, but our riders were outstanding – they took charge of part of the race. They all gave their all right to the end and did an excellent job. The final finish, on a slight uphill stretch, suited Milan’s strengths perfectly and he rose to the occasion. Our riders returning from the Tour de France are in very good form and Milan is proving that too. In this Tour du Poitou-Charentes, we know we have a chance every day. And we’ll do everything we can from tomorrow to succeed again.”
