A solid team effort against the clock
# Solid Teamwork Shines in Paris-Nice Time Trial
The Groupama-FDJ United cycling team showcased remarkable cohesion and strategy during the 23.5-kilometre team time trial at Paris-Nice on Tuesday. Finishing in a commendable ninth place, the squad clocked a time of 27 minutes and 21 seconds, 41 seconds behind stage winners Ineos Grenadiers. As the race progresses and climbs loom ahead, Groupama-FDJ’s climbers find themselves ranking around 20th overall.
For the second consecutive year, the Paris-Nice itinerary included a team time trial, a discipline governed by the first rider’s finish, with individual timings for each member. Team coach Anthony Bouillod described the day’s challenge: “There was a 2.5-kilometre technical section and then two climbs. One came in the first part of the course, the other in the final, after which there was a descent leading to the finish with a final 1,500-metre straight. It was a very fast time trial.” Groupama-FDJ was among the early starters, rolling out at 3:22 p.m. with a meticulously crafted strategy. Bouillod elaborated, “We managed to rotate the entire team through the technical section.”
The team recorded a strong provisional time at the intermediate checkpoint, reaching it in 15 minutes and 55 seconds. Bouillod noted, “Everyone took turns on the climbs,” emphasizing the importance of positioning to allow their strongest riders to capitalize on their strengths for powerful transitions.
Rémi Cavagna highlighted the team’s approach, stating, “I think I was one of the driving forces… The most important thing was not to lose speed. That’s what I tried to do.” The team’s solid performance initially set the fastest provisional time, but they were soon surpassed by UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
As other teams completed their trials, Groupama-FDJ gradually fell in the rankings but managed to maintain their presence in the top ten. Reflecting on the race, Rémi commented, “We knew we weren’t going to win the stage… but we had strong riders.” Bouillod added, “We thought we would lose 45 seconds to the winning team. We conceded 41, which is very good and satisfying.”
Following this challenging start to the “Race to the Sun,” Ewen Costiou, David Gaudu, and Rudy Molard currently rank 20th, 21st, and 22nd, respectively, just 43 seconds behind the overall leader, Juan Ayuso. Looking ahead to the coming climbs, Bouillod expressed confidence in his riders’ capabilities, while Rémi noted, “We’re now heading into terrain that should be more favourable for breakaways and for our leaders.”
With strong teamwork and adaptability demonstrated during the time trial, the Groupama-FDJ United team is poised to tackle the challenges ahead in the remainder of the race.
