Thomas Degand took his first victory in 2014 when he won the first stage of the Tour du Gevaudan after having attacked out of a breakaway. Set to join IAM next year, the Belgian climber was pleased to pay back the Wanty team with a win before he gets the chance to test himself in the grand tours.

 

All year Thomas Degand has proved that he has taken a massive step up. Right from the start of the season, he rode strongly in the Vuelta a Andalusia but until today his strong climbing had not been rewarded with a victory.

 

When the win finally arrived, it happened in a race where it was less expected. The Tour du Gevaudan may have hilly stages but the courses are more suited to puncheurs than climbers.

 

However, Degand made use of a combination of good legs and tactical skills to come away with the victory in stage 1 after he had joined the right breakaway, finally taking his first win after 5 years as a professional.

 

"I did not feel really well early in the race," he told Directvelo. "Last Sunday I was in Ponferrada for the World Championships team time trial. I think I made a counterattack at the right time.

 

"Finally, I was getting better with every kilometer. Txurruka attacked before the top of the last GPM. Together with Boris Dron, I rejoined him. The agreement was now very good between us. We agreed to work together until the flamme rouge. 

 

"Boris Dron attacked 800 meters from the line. We're both Walloons so it was not for me to ride. Txurruka made the effort. I countered with 500 meters to go. I'm not a fast sprinter so I had to anticipate. 

 

"This is my first win of the season. I'm really happy to break the drought because it allows me to thank my team. I always raced with that squad. Next year I will be riding for IAM Cycling. It will be a new adventure, which should allow me to discover the Grand Tours. Given that I consider myself a stage race rider, it's a very good thing."

 

"Thomas (Degand) is physically very strong but he is mentally fragile," sports director Sebastien Demarbaix said. "He has been with the Jean-Francois Bourlard's Wanty team since the age of 15. He signed a contract with the IAM team on the day of the Grand Prix de Wallonie and that is better for his future. He rides with more certainty.In addition, he is getting married in 15 days! The last weekend, he took part in the World Championships TTT and he was one of the strongest. 

 

"On a course like today's, he would usually not finish in the top 10, it was a coincidence. Initially, I was betting on a sprint from a 25-30 rider group and our main card was Michel Kreder. Thomas Degand and Kevin Seeldraeyers target the general classification. 

 

"Tomorrow morning, we will try to keep this first place. We do not know the Laurent Jalabert climb but we will pass it twice, so there will be no excuses. In addition, we have lots of information as Michel Kreder and Marco Minnaard checked the climb when we arrived on Friday."