Sylvain Chavanel put himself in the perfect position to win the Tour du Poitou-Charentes when he crushed the opposition in the time trial. Having distanced a quality time triallist like Svein Tuft by 44 seconds, the Frenchman was proud of his superiority on a course that suited him perfectly.

On the eve of the finish of the Tour du Poitou-Charentes, Sylvain Chavanel hit the race hard by winning the time trial of L’Isle Jourdain.  The six-time French time trial champion made no secret of his strength, succeeding in relegating Sven Tuft to second place on the stage, a whopping 45 seconds back.  All at once, the IAM Cycling rider has taken over the leader’s jersey with a very comfortable advantage.  
 
Having just recovered from his efforts, Chavanel did not try to hide his satisfaction. 

“Given the fact that Cavendish is here racing, I decided to focus on what I can do.  With the time trial, I had a chance to play for the win, but there is always a little apprehensiveness.  I am racing at home and the pressure is greater than in any other race. 

"Everyone predicted my victory.  It did me good to win, but I am especially pleased with the way I won.  All the excellent opponents like Tuft or Cummings were more than 40 seconds behind me, which is a good sign for my prospects through the end of the season.  And frankly, on this course, I really enjoyed myself.

"It was a superb course, demanding and with a need to push a big gear. Courses like this, that's what I love. Today, I felt good. I got back from altitude training and returned to racing at the Tour du Limousin. That race came too early in the plan that I had made to get back into shape. I felt that I got better day by day. 

"I did everything to get in shape for the Tour du Poitou-Charentes. It's a race that really close to my heart because it is in my home region. 

"I'm happy with my time today. The difference is 44 seconds which is the most important thing for me. Svein Tuft has already beaten me several times, for example in the Eneco Tour. But hey, the boss in the Tour du Poitou-Charentes, is me.

"People say I have had ​​a lackluster season so far I always give the maximum in every race. I finished on the podium on the Four Days of Dunkirk (2nd) and the Tour of Belgium (3rd). People expect me to win a classic. Okay, but this year I suffered from bronchitis and colds. Next April I will try to take a result in a classic.  

"Regarding the time trial, I finished third in the Tour of Belgium and the Tour Med. I won the French championships. I have done good time trials. Now I hope to win my third Tour du Poitou-Charentes."
 

Directeur sportif for IAM Cycling, Eddy Seigneur, himself formerly a time trial specialist, enjoyed the demonstration his rider gave. 

“It was impressive.  He blew up the time trial.  It was beautiful to see because I had never seen him like that.”