With the most consistent formation (19 riders) in the Vosges, Groupama-FDJ is putting its blue-white-red jersey back into play this Sunday in Epinal. In 2020 at Grand-Champ, Arnaud Démare won the sprint ahead of Coquard and Alaphilippe. Picard’s reputation on “France” had already been established since its two previous titles: in 2014 in Poitiers and in 2017 in Saint-Omer.
And it must be said that apart from the coronations of Démare, the team led by Marc Madiot has seven victories … over the last nine years! Nacer Bouhanni had started this series in 2012, Arthur Vichot had won in 2013 and 2016 and Anthony Roux had won the bet in 2018.
This year, the team will not leave empty-handed, since they achieved the feat on Thursday: a hat-trick on the time trial! Benjamin Thomas was crowned in front of his teammates Amirail and Brunel.
“An extremely honorary title”
A competition that brings luck to the team? Marc Madiot brushes aside the idea: “We prepare for this race and we are motivated for”. The Mayennais knows even better what he is talking about, having himself worn the tunic, after a victory at Lugny (Saône-et-Loire) in 1987.
“The title of champion of France or his country is always an extremely honorary title. Just look in the archives: every time a President of the Republic, a minister or a mayor shows up for a race, there is always a photo with a champion of France. “
And the Groupama-FDJ riders feel the difference with other races. “Each year, it’s a bit of a special briefing. It’s a very important race for Marc (Madiot) and we have the right to a nice briefing. They often last longer than before other races. The message is to run together, to stay motivated until the end, ”says Finistérien Olivier Le Gac.
A team goal
A tunic all the more special as within the formation, no national champion’s jersey bears sponsors. “We value the symbolic value of these jerseys. It is a mark of respect for the flag, for the identity of this title, ”explains the man who has won Paris-Roubaix twice.
And this year again, the ambition is clear: to keep the title. But, the course is much less favorable to Arnaud Démare. If Marc Madiot inevitably places Julian Alaphilippe in the favorites, some of his runners could do well: David Gaudu or Valentin Madouas, for example.
“Each time, we take this race to win it. And that will still be the case this year, explains Olivier Le Gac. Pressure? Yes there is, but it is good. We are a team that is doing very well in the championships, which also gives confidence ”.
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