Just like the previous days in the Doubs region, Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux took its responsibility in the chase behind the breakaway this Sunday at the Tour du Doubs (1.1, 5/09). The riders under the sportive direction of Frédéric Amorison knew the parcours of 201 kilometer well, since Loïc Vliegen offered the victory to the Belgian team one year ago. In addition, both Baptiste Planckaert and Biniam Girmay Hailu, winner of the Classic Grand Besançon last Friday, finished 2nd before in this eighth race of the French Cup.
The maximal advantage of 9 minutes decreased gradually until the breakaway was within reach on the Col de la République (4.3km at 4.1%), the penultimate climb of seven categorized difficulties. But the favorites waited until the final climb, Le Larmont (4,4km à 4,1%), to make their move. However, it was a group of around twenty riders which sprinted for the victory at the end of the 6 downhill kilometers. Biniam Girmay Hailu took 2nd place, he was defeated by Dorian Godon. The 21 year old Eritrean rider imitated his performance in the previous edition and concludes a fruitful stay in the Doubs region.
I’m very happy about last weekend, because I was on the podium in each of the races. Next to my victory on Friday and today’s 2nd place, I was the best young rider in the Tour du Jura yesterday. The team again took its responsibility in the chase behind the breakaway today. Especially Alexander and Jérémy did a good job bringing the gap down to 3 minutes. On the final climb, and the descent, I kept an eye on the favorites. I followed the attacks, because I was confident for the sprint. Unfortunately I rode through a whole in the final meters, but luckily I stayed upright. This 2nd place is satisfying. I’m confident for the GP de Wallonie, which will be my last race before the World Championships.
