Victor Loulergue shows strong form in the Ardennes
# Victor Loulergue Shows Impressive Form at Circuit des Ardennes
Victor Loulergue has showcased his remarkable talent during the Circuit des Ardennes, continuing his strong start to the season with the Groupama-FDJ United development team. Over three stages, the 21-year-old cyclist secured finishes of 10th, 5th, and 3rd, placing him sixth overall as he heads into the final two rounds.
The race commenced on Wednesday with a challenging 128-kilometre course stretching from Villers-Semeuse to Saint-Laurent. This stage featured the significant Romery climb, which measures 1.3 km at an incline of 6.8%. Sports director Jérôme Gannat noted, “We had to climb it four times, and we had targeted this finish because it suited Victor well.” Although the initial strategy held as a four-rider breakaway was controlled, chaos ensued in the final lap when three riders launched a counterattack. Gannat explained, “We were a bit surprised…the organization in the peloton wasn’t perfect,” as the attacking riders managed to maintain a 25-second lead going into the climb. Loulergue adeptly attacked from the base of the climb but ultimately finished 10th, a result Gannat described as somewhat disappointing given the stage’s suitability for the young cyclist.
Despite the setback, Loulergue’s solid performances earlier in the day allowed him to retain fourth place overall, just a few seconds ahead of teammates Baptiste Grégoire and Yann Dubois.
The second stage on Thursday was marred by an early crash affecting about thirty riders, including Dubois, who managed to rejoin the race. Loulergue demonstrated consistency once again, finishing second in the pack sprint to take fifth place. “We believed we had things under control,” Gannat remarked, acknowledging the skill of the three escapees who held off the bunch in Rethel after 175 kilometres.
Thursday’s stage win was followed by a tight competition in Friday’s third stage between Lac de Bairon and Lac des Vieilles Forges. As the peloton worked to re-capture another five-rider break, the team, led by Loulergue, exhibited tactical prowess. Gannat praised Loulergue’s performance, stating, “It’s a bit frustrating because Victor is in great form… He hasn’t dropped off. He’s just taken 10th, 5th, and 3rd in consecutive stages.”
With three stages concluded, Loulergue currently stands sixth overall, a mere 17 seconds adrift of the leader. Gannat concluded optimistically, noting, “Aside from Soan, everyone is still in contention for the general classification. That’s very positive, and tomorrow will be a real test.” With nearly 200 kilometres ahead and 3,600 meters of elevation gain, the final stages promise to be challenging yet filled with potential for the talented rider.
