ProTeam 4th place for Arnaud De Lie in Plouay

The Bretagne Classic-Ouest-France, better known as the Grand Prix of Plouay, brought together a strong field of participants for this edition and also changed its course this time. The peloton had to ride about 260 kilometers in France with a staggering 4,250 meters of elevation gain, significantly more than the 3,100 from last year. There was never really an early breakaway. At one point, two riders managed to get more than eleven minutes on the peloton, but led by Lotto Dstny, the duo was caught with 60 kilometers to go.

“We had a plan ready,” recalls Arnaud De Lie. “We were well-positioned each time, alert to attacks… With Maxim (Van Gils), I tried to anticipate each time, and it worked, allowing us to continue the last 30 kilometers with a thinned-out peloton.” De Lie wanted to break away alone 15 kilometers from the finish, but it didn’t work. Maxim Van Gils gave it another go on the last climb, but it was ultimately Marc Hirschi (UAE) who took off. “I might have been a bit surprised by that attack of his,” De Lie adds. “What he did there was class. When it became clear that there would be a sprint for second and third place, I positioned myself as I always do. Last time, I may have gone a bit too early; this year, I went too late in the sprint. We hoped for a podium place, maybe even more, but it ended up being fourth. That’s frustrating, but we have gained confidence for next week’s Renewi Tour.”

Picture: PhotoNews