Having made next week's Tour du Poitou-Charentes his next big goal, Sylvain Chavanel is using the Tour du Limousin to rebuild his condition after the Tour de France. Today he got close to a stage win when he launched a strong attack that was neutralized only a few kilometres from the finish.

The 2014 Tour du Limousin, unlike the 2013 edition which was won by IAM Cycling’s Martin Elmiger, will not remain high in the rankings of the team’s best races.  During the third stage won by Mauro Finetto (Neri Sottoli), who also took over the leader’s jersey, the Swiss Pro Continental team distinguished itself by sending Sylvain Chavanel and Jérôme Pineau in a breakaway that lasted most of the day, but unfortunately the team ultimately saw its workforce shrink by two riders. 

Indeed, Sébastien Reichenbach, who took a strong 6th place yesterday, was forced to abandon and return home with a terrible toothache, while Jérôme Pineau was forced off his bike with a bad pain in his knee.
 
Kjell Carlström, directeur sportif for the team along with Eddy Seigneur, initially took a jocular stance before appraising the performance of his riders, especially Sylvain Chavanel. 

“If it continues like this, we directeurs will out-number the riders!  Seriously, I would like to highlight the merits of Sylvain Chavanel and Jérôme Pineau.  Pineau in particular pushed his pain threshold to the maximum, though unfortunately it just wasn’t enough.  

"Chavanel also really fought all day, as he had the day before, but he simply hasn’t managed to come up with the just rewards for his efforts.  Certainly he will be ready for the Tour de Poitou-Charentes and the GP de Plouay.”

"We attacked with a big group," Cahvanel told Directvelo. "Anthony Delaplace was there. Since it was well-placed overall, it was almost impossible for us to get a gap. I was on the attack all day. I was always in front. Six kilometers from the finish I knew we did not have enough of a gap, and it was as shame! Many teams chased. The final climb was very difficult.

"I was not good in the first stage. I am happy to find better sensations. It was the third stage of the Tour du Limousin, it's always difficult. Initially, it was not expected that I should do this race. My goal is to be fit for the Tour Poitou-Charentes. I was to find my sensations."