Kevin Ledanois who rides for the Bretagne team, became a surprise winner of the U23 World Championships when he launched a late solo attack that completed a great team performance by the Frenchmen.

"This is a dream," he told Directvelo. I am very happy. I do not realize I am World Champion. I will realize that tonight when I get back to the hotel and everyone will congratulate me. And when I get home to meet my family and my friends. It's really special.

"Since Pierre-Yves [French coack] selected me, I have regained confidence. If Pierre-Yves believes in me, I should also have the confidence. Last year, I missed out. This year I did not have the right to do so. It was now or never. The job we did with Anthony (Turgis) was perfect.

"This year in the pro ranks brought me a lot of experience, especially regarding my effort management. I managed to wait for the right moment to give everything. Last year I went a lap too early because I was too young. This year I had more confidence and more experience. I knew how to wait for the right time.

"When I saw  the circuit I said "It will not be hard enough. " Fortunately it started to rain on the last lap. We were still all together and rain caused crashes and tightened the race. All the conditions were right to make a big thing.  

"On Libby Hill, Anthony accelerated. It was my job to position him, so I had to take a turn. When I hit the front, I saw that the Austrian (Gogl, ed) was behind me. He could not follow me. I took risks in all corners. And I thought "It's time to give everything" because Anthony was on his wheel. If I had been caught, I could not have regrets.

"At the bottom of Governor Street, I knew it was now or never. At the top with 700m to go, I saw that I had a nice gap. But the final stretch was really endless. It was the longest 700 meters of my life.

"150, 200 meters from the line I doubted. I had really sore legs and Consonni launched his sprint. I felt that it was safe. But I could not slow down. I had to give everything. 50 meters from the line, I realized that he was not coming back and that I was world champion. I did not want to take risks, I waited for the last moment to raise my arms. 

"I could not believe. In my heart, I said, "It is not possible, there is one in front of me." I realized that I had won when I saw our two trainers greet me with open arms. It's great. 

"I will never wear the jersey but it will have a special place. I can not show it in the races but in training I will take advantage og it. I will use it all winter.

"The season is not over. I will still do the Tour de Vendée  next week. Then Paris-Tours or a few races in Italy."