A perfect scenario for FDJ-SUEZ on Saturday in Les Herbiers. In stifling heat, Marie Le Net was crowned French champion for the first time in her career, at the end of a team race that she mastered from start to finish. At the finish, she was 39 seconds ahead of her team-mate Léa Curinier, putting the finishing touches to a fine team effort.
The race was turned on its head at the end of the second lap, with 80 kilometres to go, when Marie decided to dynamite the peloton. Taking Clémence Latimier (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) and Julie Bego (Cofidis) with her, the Breton gradually built up a significant lead. Joined by three other riders, including Léa Curinier, the two FDJ-SUEZ representatives found themselves in an ideal position, clearly outnumbered by just one direct competitor.
The gap, which had stretched to 4 minutes, began to close under the impetus of Cédrine Kerbaol (EF Education Oatly) and Aude Biannic (Movistar) at the back. But at the front, the strategy was clear. On the final climbs of Mont des Alouettes, Marie chose her moment: an attack placed just as Julie Bego was taking a feed. The young Cofidis rider was the only one able to follow her at first, but she soon saw Léa Curinier come back… and she didn’t take over.
An individual success, a collective victory
At the age of 25, Marie Le Net has achieved the greatest success of her career on the road, after a long career on the track. Moved at the finish, she was quick to point out the crucial role played by her team-mate :
‘I am indebted to you for life’, she said to Léa Curinier, who came second in the race and played a major role in the team’s success.
This victory is the reward for a perfectly executed strategy, the fruit of a close-knit team. With this one-two finish, FDJ-SUEZ has once again confirmed its ability to make its mark on the major events on the French calendar.
Next stage: the summer races, with the Giro d’Italia starting in a week’s time.