An unlucky day in Andalusia
# Unfortunate Turn of Events for Groupama-FDJ at Clásica de Almería
Groupama-FDJ United launched their 2026 season with high hopes at the Clásica de Almería, aiming for glory with their sprinter Paul Penhoët, who was eager to race again. However, the team’s ambitions were thwarted as a dramatic crash unfolded just ten kilometers from the finish line, impacting both Penhoët and teammate Bastien Tronchon.
The team, fielding six riders including recent Étoile de Bessèges podium finisher Maxime Decomble, embarked on the race with enthusiasm. Alongside Penhoët, Clément Russo, Valentin Madouas, Clément Braz Afonso, and newcomer Bastien Tronchon, they set out from Puebla de Vícar prepared for a potential bunch sprint after 189.7 kilometers of racing.
Before the chaos, a familiar racing strategy developed, with five breakaway riders under tight control from the peloton. “This race can sometimes be shaken up by the wind as we approach the coast,” team coach William Green noted. “But we knew there wouldn’t be any wind today, and that it would be very calm. The goal was to save our energy while several teams worked to bring the break back, which they did with twenty-five kilometers to go.”
As the race progressed, tension within the peloton escalated significantly during the final twenty kilometers. “We had a strategy for the sprint: to stay patient because we knew there was enough time and space to move up in the final three kilometers,” Green explained. Unfortunately, chaos ensued with just ten kilometers remaining, as the race neared the town with its numerous roundabouts.
“The fight for position is always intense before entering the town, but our aim was to save energy there,” Green said. Sadly, Bastien Tronchon fell victim to a crash while trying to maintain position. Paul Penhoët, although still in contention with teammates Clément Braz Afonso and Clément Russo, experienced another setback moments later. “He briefly lost the wheels with eight kilometers to go, but as he was moving back towards the others, he was unfortunately involved in another crash. That was the end of his sprint. It was a really chaotic final.”
Clément Russo attempted to seize the opportunity in the wake of Penhoët’s crash, yet his shot at a top-ten finish was abruptly cut short when an NSN rider collided with the bunch, forcing Russo to brake. “At the end of the day, that’s cycling; these things happen, but it seems that the odds were against us,” admitted Green.
Fortunately, both Penhoët and Tronchon emerged with only minor injuries. “They’ve lost some skin, but they should be ready for the Vuelta a Andalucía,” Green assured, reflecting on the day’s frustrations. “It’s obviously a frustrating first day, but we just have to forget about it and move on. The motivation was there, and we now need to refocus for what’s next.”
As the team shifts their gaze to future races, they remain hopeful for a turnaround in fortunes.
