A successful final race for the Juniors Program
# A Fitting Finale for Groupama-FDJ’s Juniors Program
The Groupama-FDJ Cycling Team’s “Juniors Program” wrapped up its 2025 season with a stellar showing at the prestigious Keizer der Juniores last weekend, marking their final race as a team. Competing against the best young cyclists, the team achieved two podium finishes across three stages, with Alban Picard also securing an impressive tenth place overall.
The weekend’s events featured a series of challenging courses in Belgium, starting with a grueling 111-kilometer race that mimicked the characteristics of a Classic. “It was like a small Classic,” noted team coach Jimmy Turgis. “There were five climbs in the first sixty kilometers, with two iconic locations from the Tour of Flanders,” including the challenging Old Kwaremont and Paterberg. Turgis emphasized the importance of such experiences for the young athletes, adding, “The plan was that Alban, who is a cobblestone specialist, could take advantage of this sequence to attack and make the difference.”
As the race unfolded, a leading group of thirteen riders formed and ultimately fought for victory. Picard finished in third place, demonstrating remarkable agility despite being outnumbered. “It was a bit frustrating,” Turgis commented, “because Alban seemed to be the strongest in the group… It’s a shame because he really had great legs.” Despite not securing the win, Turgis highlighted Picard’s ability to perform under pressure and contribute to the team dynamic.
The following day began with a critical six-kilometer time trial that could have influenced the overall ranking. “It was a decisive time trial for the general classification,” Turgis explained, although mixed results left the team with room for improvement. Karl Sagnier stood out with a top performance, and while Picard fell back to tenth overall, confidence remained high for the final flat stage.
In the concluding 99-kilometer circuit around Coxyde, Turgis devised a strategy focusing on Sagnier, while allowing Gabriel Genter to sprint freely. Their approach paid off as Genter notched a commendable third-place finish. “They were very fast, and I think it was possible to do even better,” Turgis remarked, appreciating the pace and potential of his riders.
Overall, the weekend was a triumph with two podium finishes, showcasing the program’s aggressive style and positive mindset. “The balance is good, with two podium finishes and a team that rode aggressively and showed a good mindset,” Turgis concluded. Despite aspirations for a victory, he noted the young age of the team, with six out of eight riders being first-year Juniors. “A solid foundation has been laid,” he affirmed, optimistic about future endeavors.
The Keizer der Juniores not only marked the end of the season for the Groupama-FDJ Juniors Program but also laid the groundwork for promising prospects in the upcoming years.
