Paul Penhoët takes sixth in Vitré
# Paul Penhoët Secures Sixth Place at Classic Velox Adélie de Vitré Amid Challenging Conditions
The Classic Velox Adélie de Vitré, the fourth round of the FDJ United Series, concluded this Friday, marked by difficult weather and an uphill sprint finish. Despite these challenges, Paul Penhoët managed to clinch a respectable sixth place after navigating a tricky race.
Held in the usual format, this event kicked off the first of four Breton races on the FDJ United Series calendar. Participants tackled a grueling course that included a 21-kilometer loop completed five times, followed by an additional loop of just under 10 kilometers tackled eight times. The final circuit, after 100 kilometers of racing, featured a daunting uphill avenue, with La Chenelière’s climb proving to be a prime setting for tactical moves.
Yvon Caër, the team’s coach, reflected on the strategy: “The idea was to follow moves and possibly initiate some in the last three laps,” he explained. “Otherwise, we still had the option of playing the Paul card in the sprint.” Throughout the race, team dynamics came into play as Yann rode for over 100 kilometers, while Rémi struggled with his performance. Ewen’s attempts to break away with 20 kilometers remained closely monitored, with no significant separation occurring among the competitors.
“Obviously frustrated,” Caër acknowledged after the race. The inclement weather added a layer of difficulty, but conditions improved as the race progressed. “The rain made the race a bit tougher, but it didn’t last all day… There was never really an opportunity to break the peloton’s uniformity,” he stated.
In the race’s closing stages, Enzo Paleni emerged as a significant presence. “We absolutely couldn’t afford to be caught off guard, and Enzo did a fantastic job in that respect,” Yvon praised. As the focus shifted to the final lap, a group of around twenty riders attempted to break away on the La Chenelière climb, yet the peloton quickly regrouped in the last three kilometers.
Paul Penhoët found himself well-positioned, moving into the top ten just before the flamme rouge, heading into the decisive descent and the uphill finish. By the start of the crucial ramp, he was in fourth place. However, a miscalculation led him to choose the left side, resulting in being blocked by a slowing rider. “He then lost all his speed,” Caër explained. “That’s sprinting and its uncertainties, but I think without that slowdown, he could have hoped for a podium.”
Ultimately, Penhoët crossed the line a few bike lengths back from the winner, Marc Brustenga, settling for sixth place. “We are obviously frustrated because when we come to these races with Paul, we aim to win,” Caër concluded, noting the increasing competitiveness within the field. “There’s always something missing for everything to align and put Paul in a position to win.”
