For the third year in a row, Sylvain Chavanel won the French time trial championships but this year he was under extra pressure to take the victory. The race took place in his backyard and with family and friends at the side of the road, the reigning champion carried a big weight on his shoulders.

Just a few steps from his home, Sylvain Chavanel won his sixth time trial championships of France.  The IAM Cycling rider accomplished his great victory over a 47.7 kilometer circuit around Futuroscope.  Covering the course with the more than respectable average speed of 49.534 km/h, Chavanel had already taken 17 seconds out of 2nd place Anthony Roux (FDJ.fr) by the first time check, and then more than 30 seconds at the second time check.
 
Sylvain Chavanel welcomed this mid-week success that comes just 10 days ahead of his 13th participation in the Tour de France. 

“I was determined to have a good performance in front of my family, my friends and my supporters here.  It was great even though I felt a little extra pressure under the circumstances.  I put my best effort forward and I am confident for La Grande Boucle.  I recovered well after the heavy workload I had at the Tour of Belgium and the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré.” 
 
Eddy Seigneur, himself a multiple French time trial champion, and acted as the directeur sportif for IAM Cycling in Futuroscope, noted Chavanel’s strengths while also commenting on how well Jérôme Pineau performed, coming back just 15 days after the fracturing of his fifth metacarpal in the Dauphiné Libéré. 

“Chavanel won his sixth title as time trial champion of France in a great fashion.  Sylvain was leading at all intermediate points, even if near the end he lost some time due to the rain and cramps.  It was more complicated, but it was essentially assured. 

"As for Jérôme Pineau (28th at 4’14”), he managed to complete his race without feeling any pain.  This is good news for his Tour de France.”