Clément Braz Afonso and Clément Berthet in the top 10 atop of La Malate

# Clément Braz Afonso and Clément Berthet Shine in Classic Grand Besançon Doubs

This past weekend in Franche-Comté kicked off with the Classic Grand Besançon Doubs, culminating in a challenging climb at La Malate. After 175 kilometers of intense competition, the defending champion Guillaume Martin-Guyonnet of the Groupama-FDJ United cycling team could not secure his title. However, teammates Clément Braz Afonso and Clément Berthet both made their mark by finishing in the top ten, taking seventh and eighth places respectively.

The race concluded in Montfaucon, where participants battled atop the famed climb of La Malate for the fifth consecutive year. Thierry Bricaud, the team manager, noted, “We approached the race motivated and with the desire to win because we had the defending champion, Guillaume, but also Clément Berthet, who was making his return to racing at home, and Clément Braz Afonso, who has been going very well since the start of the season.” The team entered the race with high hopes, despite the unexpected absence of Maximilian Cushway due to illness.

Initial race dynamics shifted due to Cushway’s absence, but the team adapted well, with Rémy playing a pivotal role throughout the day. As Bricaud observed, “In the final, Tom took over and that allowed us to enter the decisive phase as we had planned.” The strategy was effective as the team gradually reeled in an early breakaway, which at one point enjoyed a four-minute lead. After the first ascent of La Malate, they reduced the gap to just one minute, catching the remaining escapee with 20 kilometers left in the race.

Bricaud highlighted the performance of his riders, stating, “A very reassuring comeback for Clément Berthet.” Tom Donnenwirth then led the charge into the race’s final phase, navigating the challenging descent prior to the climb. The last four kilometers featured an average gradient of nearly 9%, testing the riders’ endurance.

Although Guillaume struggled to keep pace with the leading attacks, Clément Braz Afonso emerged as the strongest performer for Groupama-FDJ United, finishing closely behind the leading quartet. Bricaud praised Afonso’s effort: “Clément Braz Afonso had a very strong climb. I think his level is even higher, but he’s at the end of a cycle and lacks a bit of freshness.” Berthet, returning from a period away from racing, also delivered a commendable performance, setting a steady pace and finishing strong.

Looking ahead, the team is poised for the Tour du Jura, taking place tomorrow and concluding at Mont Poupet. “We have a strong team, but other squads will have to take responsibility for the race,” Bricaud concluded. “We’ll be there as outsiders and opportunists. We’ll be active.” With both racer’s performances in Besançon, Groupama-FDJ United appears ready to tackle the upcoming challenges with confidence.