Sixth place and a strong team effort for the Belgian finale
# Strong Team Spirit Secures Sixth Place for Groupama-FDJ in Belgian Season Finale
The 2025 Belgian cycling calendar concluded with the thrilling Binche-Chimay-Binche on Tuesday. In an eventful race spanning 203 kilometers, the Groupama-FDJ cycling team showcased its strength, guiding sprinter Paul Penhoët to the front in the final kilometer. Ultimately, Penhoët finished sixth after being overtaken by faster competitors just before the finish line.
Binche-Chimay-Binche served as a fitting end to Belgium’s cycling season, featuring a challenging course with uphill roads and cobbled sections. The finish line was strategically placed on a 16-kilometer circuit, which competitors had to navigate five times in the latter half of the race. According to Frédéric Guesdon, the team manager, the initial 75 kilometers were crucial. “It was a very long battle, until a climb we call ‘Little Poggio’. At the bottom, nine guys went away, including Campenaerts, Vermeersch, and Abrahamsen—a strong group,” Guesdon explained.
The dynamics of the race shifted significantly when a split occurred in the peloton, further intensified by high-paced riding that caught some teams, including the Quick-Step squad, unprepared. “We were well positioned, and only Johan ended up in the second pack,” Guesdon noted.
With 80 kilometers remaining, the peloton had caught the early breakaway but maintained an aggressive pace. Guesdon mentioned, “The situation was perfect for us, but we were worried it would be too aggressive and that there wouldn’t be enough teams to control.” The team adopted a cautious approach, aiming to stay alert and avoid getting trapped.
As the race transitioned into the final laps, a breakaway duo threatened the field, though they were reeled in 10 kilometers from the finish. With five teammates alongside him, Penhoët had a solid chance as they prepared for the sprint. “In the final, it was all for Paul,” Guesdon said, detailing the team’s strategic positioning five kilometers from the finish.
The Groupama-FDJ team executed the plan flawlessly, taking command of the peloton just 3.5 kilometers from the end. As Clément Russo and Penhoët forged ahead, they were overtaken by competitors who benefited from a late surge of speed. “Unfortunately, today, we were in the lead, but the speed didn’t pick up really, and it was those who came from behind who had the advantage,” Guesdon reflected.
Conclusively, Penhoët’s sixth place finish, while not quite what the team had aimed for, is celebrated for its collaborative effort. “Sixth is good, even if I know Paul isn’t satisfied with that,” Guesdon admitted. “Of course, we were hoping for better than sixth place, but we don’t have any regrets.” The race encapsulated the remarkable synergy of the Groupama-FDJ team as they wrapped up the Belgian cycling season on a strong note.
