There were ten different riders from Team Giant-Shimano to experience victory this past season, but none was more overdue than that of Thierry Hupond. Hupond has been a part of the team since 2008, the year he turned professional, making him one of the team’s longest serving members. Year-on-year Hupond has continued to improve, and develop in his role within the team under the guidance of the team’s trainers and coaches.

This progress was encapsulated this season when Hupond took an impressive solo victory on Stage 4 of the 4 Jours de Dunkerque, fittingly on home soil in France. It was his first professional victory.

Teamgiantshimano.com caught up with Hupond after the season was over to discuss this win and how it changes his outlook on racing, if at all.

"I started the season with my mind 100% set on being a helper and wasn’t thinking about myself, or my results," he said. "I knew that sometimes I would get my chance but it was not my goal. It was clear in the team that this was my role – maybe this took the weight off my mind, and I did a good job. Then I got that chance.

"I think that it was good to not have the thought in my mind that I didn’t have to win, so I was just going instinctively and enjoying the moment. It was a great feeling but a bit of a surprise also.

"It was the hard stage of Dunkerque, both windy and hilly. There was the day’s breakaway up the road and behind the bunch was playing for the GC. On the last lap I was still there with the GC riders and they started to look at each other. I took the opportunity to attack with Nikias [Arndt] and to ride across to the last guys in the break. We were both riding strongly, and when we got to the break I attacked again straight away, about three kilometres from the finish. I had no thoughts about it I just went for it. When I crossed the line I still couldn’t believe that I had won.

"My parents were the first people I saw after the finish and it was really, really nice to share the win with them after the finish. I also got a lot of reaction from both the team and from other riders in the bunch. All the French riders were coming over to say how happy they were that I had won which was nice.

"My role in the team stays the same, which is to be a helper but still there would be some races where I can have a free role but I won’t look at these any differently. If it works it works – it’s like a bonus, it’s like a cherry on top. I’m not obsessed with getting the wins so if it comes, it comes."