Not the expected result in Varese

# Groupama-FDJ Falls Short at 3 Valli Varesine

In the lead-up to Il Lombardia, Groupama-FDJ entered the 3 Valli Varesine with high expectations, hoping to perform against familiar competition. However, their ambitions fell flat as the event concluded in a reduced bunch sprint, with Brieuc Rolland finishing fourteenth and Rudy Molard in sixteenth.

After last year’s event was cancelled due to inclement weather, this year’s race unfolded under sunny skies in Lombardy. The traditional 200-kilometer route challenged riders with eight laps featuring arduous climbs, including the double ascent of Salita dei Ronchi (1.9 km at 5.3%) and Montello (2 km at 5%), as well as the steeper Barasso climb, with gradients reaching close to 10%. Collectively, participants faced over 3,000 metres of elevation gain, setting the stage for a fierce showdown among the strongest cyclists.

The race commenced with a five-man breakaway, while Enzo Paleni made a brief attempt to join them mid-race. As the peloton closed to the final stretch, counterattacks began to emerge, particularly after the mid-race split, which opened the door for potential strategies to challenge Tadej Pogacar’s anticipated assault.

“We didn’t get the result we wanted,” lamented team director Benoît Vaugrenard after the race. Despite nearly having their full squad in contention during the closing laps, the group struggled during crucial moments. When the pace intensified on the Montello climb, Groupama-FDJ found themselves unable to keep pace with the front-runners, especially Pogacar, who made a decisive solo move.

Though Vaugrenard acknowledged the high difficulty of winning, he expressed hope for a strong team finish, stating, “We knew winning would be difficult, we have to be realistic, but we also knew it was possible to fight for the top 10, with our goal being a top five.” In pursuit of this, Valentin Madouas attempted to break from the peloton on the Barasso climb, but his efforts fell short as he trailed the chasing group.

As Pogacar extended his lead in the final kilometers, the main group managed to regroup. Rudy Molard exhibited determination by making a late attack, but was ultimately unable to break clear from the thirty-man pack, which contested the sprint forty-six seconds behind the victor.

Reflecting on the day’s events, Vaugrenard expressed his disappointment: “It’s frustrating because the team was doing well, but we didn’t get the result we wanted.” He noted that, although many riders were positioned well in the final stages, a lack of effective communication and strategy led to missed opportunities for placements. “They made efforts that they probably lacked for the top 10. It’s a pity,” he concluded.

With the season finale approaching, Groupama-FDJ will need to regroup and refine their strategies to better harness their potential and secure the results they strive for on the road ahead.