Tough start in Limousin
# Groupama-FDJ Faces Setbacks in Tour du Limousin Opener
The Groupama-FDJ cycling team had high hopes for a strong start at the Tour du Limousin on Tuesday, but the opening stage proved challenging, leaving the squad with a day “to forget,” as team director Benoît Vaugrenard aptly described. Missing the crucial breakaway and suffering crashes that sidelined two riders, including Quentin Pacher, the team struggled to maintain its competitive edge.
Covering 184 kilometers from Panazol to La Courtine, the stage presented undulating roads and an elevation gain of 3000 meters, setting the stage for a demanding day. A breakaway of seven riders quickly formed, building a lead that surged past five minutes before shrinking as the race progressed. As the pack initially eased back, they ramped up their efforts during the classified climbs.
In the Côte d’Abbas-Féniers, with only thirty-five kilometers remaining, some compelling attacks arose, including an attempt from Groupama-FDJ featuring Olivier Le Gac and Lorenzo Germani. “Lorenzo tried, but it didn’t work,” Vaugrenard noted. “The slope was not hard enough.” Despite attempts to close the gap and secure bonus seconds, the team found themselves at a disadvantage after not being included in the significant breakaway.
The situation worsened as the race neared its conclusion. “We wanted to keep Tom for the sprint, but the goal was also to follow the moves with Rémy, Quentin, and Lorenzo,” said Vaugrenard. Unfortunately, Groupama-FDJ found themselves one step behind as they attempted to regroup. “It turned out to be very hard, especially since we lost two riders because of crashes. It also penalized us a lot.”
As the race unfolded, a solid group broke away, gaining a fifteen-second lead, leaving Groupama-FDJ struggling to keep pace. Tragedy struck when Lorenzo Germani crashed, followed by a second crash involving Quentin Pacher, who was forced to abandon the race. Despite these hurdles, Tom Donnenwirth managed to secure a 9th place position on the general classification thanks to a bonus second acquired during the intermediate sprint.
In a day marked by both challenges and small victories, Vaugrenard expressed hope for the next stages. “It’s a day to forget,” he reiterated, adding optimism for Donnenwirth’s performance. “We will see how Lorenzo feels tomorrow morning, but Tom feels good, and there are still good finishes for him this week.” As the team looks ahead, the remaining stages in the Tour du Limousin promise opportunities for redemption.
