Jerome Cousin (Europcar) was agonizingly close to a big surprise in the first stage of the Tour de l'Ain but his break was caught 500m from the line. Hence, he had to settle for the combativity award as a consolation prize.
"I often try my luck in front in the first stage," he told Directvelo. "This is something that I like. Because of a misunderstanding we may get a minute or two. And then it is not easy to catch the escapees with six riders per team.
"I was in a good group of six but we lacked cohesion and freshness at the end. With Björn Thurau we did a lot of work but it's complicated to stay away when some riders do not work and aim for second or third. Only victory counts in cycling!
"Today I think I had the legs to win. Unfortunately it wasn't to be and we were back just before the last corner. I have not even done the sprint to the finish, it was useless. I'll probably save myself in the remaining stages. It is useless to burn myself out before the Vuelta."
18.05: Veenendaal-Veenendaal |
14.05 - 19.05: 4 Jours de Dunkerque |
15.05 - 19.05: Orlen Nations GP |
15.05 - 19.05: Tour of Hellas |
16.05 - 19.05: Vuelta a Burgos Feminas |
16.05 - 19.05: Tour of Sakarya |
16.05 - 19.05: Vuelta a Santiago del Estero |
17.05 - 19.05: SPIE Juniorendriedaagse |
18.05 - 19.05: Trophée Centre Morbihan |
19.05: Antwerp Port Epic Ladies |
Jorge DUARTE 42 years | today |
Vitor Bruno CARVALHO 41 years | today |
Alfonso RODRIGUEZ GARCIA 44 years | today |
Christian HELMIG 43 years | today |
Ugo DEWEERD 20 years | today |
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