Hugo Houle finishes strong in Etoile de Bessèsges with a top-ten GC placement

Canadian cyclist Hugo Houle has wrapped up the Etoile de Bessèges Tour du Garde with an impressive performance in the final stage time trial, securing 8th place on the General Classification. This marks his first top-ten finish of the season.

Houle expressed his satisfaction with the result, especially considering his recovery from illness at the end of last year. He emphasized the importance of being in good form and looks forward to his next race.

“I’m very happy with this result,” Houle said. “I was sick at the end of last year, so the winter break was more about recovery, so it’s great to be where I am in terms of form at this point in the stage. It’s great for morale, and it was a lot of fun with this team, so I’m looking forward to my next race where I hope I can perform. I take my chances where I can, and being in good shape allows me to have more of these chances.”

Dylan Teuns, who performed strongly in the first stage, unfortunately encountered two major crashes. Despite this setback, Sports Director Steve Bauer commended Teuns and the team’s overall performance.

“This is a positive result for the team,” Bauer said. “All the guys worked really well together. They’re definitely on track, and they’re getting better and better. Obviously Dylan’s injuries meant he couldn’t perform where he wanted to be, and with the contusions on his leg he’s definitely a fighter for finishing the race! He’s disappointed he couldn’t deliver in the end, but he’ll take this into the next races, it’s made him hungry for success.”