Rémi Daumas delivers a masterclass in the Pyrenees
# Rémi Daumas Shines with Epic Victory in the Pyrenees
**“La Conti” Groupama-FDJ United experienced a rollercoaster week at the Ronde de l’Isard, but their persistence paid off on Sunday when Rémi Daumas executed a breathtaking solo journey through the Pyrenees, covering over 85 kilometers to secure a remarkable stage victory. Finishing fifth overall highlighted a strong collective performance from “La Conti,” who maintained a prominent presence in every terrain throughout the competition.**
Before the final stage, the climactic showdown unfolded earlier in the week atop the Col de Pailhères. “We wanted to make the race hard and ride a hard tempo for Rémi, because that’s the kind of rhythm where he performs best,” shared sports director Tanguy Turgis. Riding aggressively, the team showed their intentions with early attacks, but Daumas admitted, “I think he should have been a little more patient.” He initially attacked during a headwind, which cost him precious seconds, ultimately finishing fourth on the climb.
Despite a number of near misses throughout the first three days, including a podium finish and multiple top-10 placements, the team was still searching for that elusive victory. Turgis emphasized the need for an aggressive approach in Stage 4. However, things didn’t go as planned, with quick-paced riding leading to a second-place finish for Eliott, who displayed speed but lacked an effective chase strategy.
With only one opportunity left, the team faced a daunting challenge on Sunday’s final stage, which entailed conquering 4,300 meters of climbing. “The plan was to get riders into the breakaway so Rémi would have satellite riders up the road,” Turgis explained. When the attackers were caught on the Port de Lers, Rémi seized the moment more than 85 kilometers from the finish. “I had planned to attack in the Port de Lers. Initially, I wanted to go from far out to overturn the GC,” Daumas reflected, acknowledging that he hadn’t intended to find himself alone at the summit.
Through exceptional resilience and strength, Daumas extended his lead significantly over the next climbs. Despite facing a headwind in the final stretches, he maintained his advantage, leading Turgis to express how “incredibly solid” Daumas was during the grueling finale. The tension mounted as the chase group pursued, but Rémi held on, ultimately crossing the finish line victorious.
“I couldn’t keep enough of an advantage to overturn the GC, but I secured the stage win, and that’s already something,” Daumas admitted with visible relief. Turgis reinforced the sentiment, recalling how the rider’s determination fueled the attack strategy. “A rider has to imagine himself winning… If he did that, it’s because he believed he could win that way.”
Daumas’ spectacular win not only capped off a successful week but also symbolized the team’s unified effort. “It rewards the work of the whole team,” he declared. Turgis echoed this sentiment, praising the team’s consistent performance throughout the event and expressing his pride in the riders’ perseverance and potential.
As “La Conti” Groupama-FDJ United celebrates their victory, both Turgis and Daumas are hopeful that their performance will continue to strengthen the team’s bond and push each rider towards even greater achievements in the future. “We waited until the last stage to finally pull it off, but the important thing is that we did get it,” Daumas concluded. With each rider finishing in the top-10, the week has become a testament to their collective strength and determination.
