Paul Penhoët finishes on a good note in China

# Paul Penhoët Caps Off Tour of Guangxi with Strong Finishes

In a thrilling conclusion to the 2023 cycling season, Paul Penhoët showcased his burgeoning talent during the latter stages of the Tour of Guangxi held in China, securing remarkable results that promise an exciting future. From Friday to Sunday, Penhoët claimed a fourth place finish in stage four and climbed to the podium in the final stage in Nanning, bolstering his confidence as he heads into the off-season. His teammates, Rémy Rochas and Enzo Paleni, wrapped up the event by finishing 13th and 21st in the overall WorldTour standings.

The second half of the Tour of Guangxi commenced under scorching conditions, with temperatures reaching 33 degrees Celsius and climbing totals exceeding 2,700 meters over a grueling 177-kilometer route from Bama to Jinchengjiang. Eddy Le Huitouze attempted to race but was forced to withdraw due to illness. William Green, the team’s sports director, noted the difficulties of the day: “The day’s break was small but strong, and with the tailwind, it made for a hard day.”

Despite the fierce competition, Penhoët strategically positioned himself for the sprint. Green elaborated on the team’s plan: “The plan was to go early to take confidence, then for Paul to find a wheel in the last kilometre.” Penhoët found himself in a tactical battle during the final stretch, narrowly missing a better position but still achieving a commendable fourth place. “We need to remember where Paul comes from… it was one of the first times he’d found himself in this position, sprinting for victory,” Green commented, noting Penhoët’s potential.

The following day, hope rested on the ascent towards Nongla, marked by a challenging three-kilometer climb. With an eye on Rémy, who ultimately finished 13th, the team strategized to maximize climbing placements. Green remarked that both Rémy and Enzo demonstrated the resilience necessary to contend with such demanding terrain. “Enzo got it, he gave it his all on the climb… he’s still young… and that gives him good hope for the future,” said Green.

As the final day approached, Penhoët faced uncertainty alongside his teammates. Green emphasized the importance of positioning, saying, “We knew it would be difficult because the peloton came back together one kilometre from the finish last year.” Clément, a fellow teammate, executed his role perfectly by breaking away and maintaining initial momentum on the climb, allowing the main group, including Rémy and Penhoët, to remain competitive.

In the concluding circuit of Nanning, Penhoët and his team managed to control the race dynamics leading into the sprint. “I came here with the idea of ​​trying to win… I had really good legs,” Penhoët mentioned reflecting on his approach. Although he fell just short against rival Paul Magnier, finishing in a close third place, his performance illustrated significant progress throughout the competition.

William Green expressed satisfaction with the team’s output, noting that Penhoët’s advancement—from eighth to seventh and then to fourth—marked a significant upward trajectory. “This is really a nice progression… Paul can enter the off-season with high morale,” he said.

As the season wraps up, Penhoët is focused on building on this momentum: “I now want to do very solid work this winter to be in shape from the start of next season and win sprints!” Given his performance in Guangxi, the cycling world will be keenly watching when he returns to the peloton in 2024.