Today, Romain Bardet won his first victory since he turned pro by winning the Tour de l’Ain. The rider of the AG2R LA MONDIALE team was once again at the front on this final stage from Nantua to Belley. He has been defeated by Wout Poels for the stage win but his 2nd place permits him to win the overall classification.
Romain had already tried his luck yesterday on the final part of the 3rd stage and this morning he was only 22’’ off the race’s leader, Tom Jelte Slagter.
We have also to highlight the excellent collective work done by the whole AG2R LA MONDIALE Team throughout this Tour de l’Ain. For example, John Gadret and Hubert Dupont was still at the forefront today. Note that John Gadret finishes also on the podium since he takes the 3rd place overall.
Romain Bardet said after the podium: “I’m really happy because it is above all a collective victory. Each rider made his own contribution and today everything happened as it had been planned at the briefing this morning. We knew that we should be able to do something on this stage and everyone did his part. We continue to ride the wave of our good results obtained on the Tour de France and this victory rewards the efforts of the whole team.
This is my first pro win and that’s just happiness! I know well the route of the Tour de l’Ain that is a race I’ve always appreciated. I knew that if I succeeded in staying focused after the Tour de France I could be able to maintain in a good shape condition and perform well. Today, that becomes reality and that’s great!”
Ron Callahan is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.