A feeling of unfinished business in Dunkirk
# Bitter Disappointment for Groupama-FDJ United at 4 Jours de Dunkerque
The Groupama-FDJ United cycling team entered the 4 Jours de Dunkerque with aspirations that reached beyond a mere top-10 finish. However, as the event concluded, Thibaud Gruel found himself in tenth place overall—a position that was impacted significantly by the strategic decisions made during the pivotal queen stage on Saturday.
In the critical morning leading up to the Cassel stage, the team still held ambitions for a strong performance in the general classification. Despite facing challenges, such as Bastien Tronchon failing to start the race due to health concerns, there was optimism among the riders. As Benoît Vaugrenard, the team’s director, noted: “He was a very important asset for us, and we knew this was a stage that suited him.” With Tronchon’s absence and the earlier withdrawal of Tom Donnenwirth, the team rolled out with only five riders.
The Cassel stage proved to be a daunting circuit marked by climbs of the Porte d’Aire and Rue du Tambour, where the prevailing tactical acumen proved to surpass mere physical strength. “Things never went our way,” Vaugrenard lamented.
Despite an early push through Valentin Madouas, the race dynamics quickly shifted as climbs piled up. By the final laps, only around forty riders remained in contention. “We knew things would explode in the final lap and that the race leader would be isolated,” Benoît explained. Gruel attempted multiple attacks; however, he faced a tactical race without the support of teammates. Consequently, six riders broke away, and while Gruel clocked in at ninth place for the stage, he finished twenty seconds behind the eventual winner, securing a spot in the overall standings.
Sunday’s finale appeared to offer little chance for changes in the classifications, but once again, fate intervened. The anticipated sprint in Dunkirk didn’t unfold as expected, marred by a crash that affected Matteo Milan, leaving him to finish in eleventh place. Benoît summarized: “We’re disappointed he wasn’t able to show what he could do, because a good work had been done beforehand.”
The week concluded on a notably frustrating note for the team. “We came here aiming for at least a podium in the general classification,” Vaugrenard stated. “But this week, things never went our way, right up to today. It’s a week to forget.” Yet there remains a glimmer of hope as Vaugrenard acknowledged Gruel’s capability: “Thibaud is among the best riders in this kind of Pro Series race… Victory is coming soon.” The team will next set its sights on the Boucles de la Mayenne, where they aim to restore their fortune and reclaim their competitive edge.
