Published on : 09/10/2026
On a demanding course around Peccioli, made even tougher by the rain, Team Cofidis was active throughout the Coppa Sabatini. At the front with Valentin Ferron early in the race before rallying around Alex Aranburu in the finale, the team remained in contention until the very last metres.
The race came alive from the opening kilometres, with Valentin Ferron part of a two-man breakaway. The Frenchman was caught halfway through the race before further attacks followed. In the finale, Ion Izagirre and Sam Maisonobe worked at the front of the peloton to bring back the remaining attackers and put Alex Aranburu in the best possible position. It all came down to the final climb towards Peccioli, where the lone leader was finally caught around 100 metres from the line. Alex Aranburu secured 5th place.
Reaction:
Benjamin Giraud, Sports Director
“It was a very demanding race, both because of the weather conditions, with a lot of rain, and because of the course itself. It was a very open and aggressive race from start to finish, and collectively we were present in all the moves with a great team performance. Valentin Ferron spent a long part of the race at the front in a two-man breakaway. In the end, we were heading towards a reduced sprint with around twenty riders in the finale in Peccioli. Alex Aranburu finished 5th.”