Fiorelli crowns strong team performance with victory in Tro-Bro Léon
# Fiorelli Leads Team Victory at Tro-Bro Léon in Heartfelt Tribute
Filippo Fiorelli delivered an outstanding performance at the 43rd edition of the Tro-Bro Léon, leading Team Visma | Lease a Bike to victory in a demanding race featuring over 200 kilometers and 29 gravel sections. Reflecting on the team’s strategy, Fiorelli shared, “We played it out perfectly as a team. We were constantly at the front and had Per in a five-man breakaway group in the finale. When he was caught, it was my turn to go, so that Axel could focus on the sprint. The moment I went, I was immediately confident I would make it. I’m very happy that I was able to reward the team with this victory.”
In a poignant moment, Fiorelli dedicated his win to his former sports director, who passed away just a day earlier. “I dedicate this victory to my former sports director, who passed away yesterday. But also to everyone who believes in me and, of course, the team that gave me the chance to win today,” he said.
The race saw the last stretch intensify as Fiorelli launched a solo attack three kilometers from the finish. Benefiting from the strategic blocking by his teammates, he managed to maintain his lead despite the pursuers closing in. Team sports director Robert Wagner expressed pride in the crew’s determination, stating, “We are very happy with this victory. It is the first time we have competed in this race as a team and we’ve hit the mark straight away.”
Wagner emphasized the importance of careful planning and teamwork in their success. “In the final, it was Per who went first and then Filippo. It was touch and go for a moment whether he’d make it or not, but he just managed it. It’s very special for Filippo to win. He usually rides in support of others and hasn’t won that many races in his career. It’s brilliant for him that he got the chance today and took it. He really deserves it.”
Thanks to meticulous preparation from the team’s mechanics, they faced only one puncture throughout the grueling gravel race, a testament to their hard work. Wagner remarked, “In a race with 29 gravel sections, it’s not a given that you’ll get through them without any problems. The mechanics did a fantastic job.”
In the final standings, Filippo Fiorelli took the top spot with a time of 04:47:35, followed closely by Alexis Renard from Cofidis and Lewis Askey from NSN Cycling Team.
Overall, the Tro-Bro Léon not only highlighted the resilience and teamwork of Team Visma | Lease a Bike but also served as a memorable tribute to a beloved sports director, reflecting the strong bonds within the cycling community.
