One week after winning a stage at the Route du Sud, Steven Tronet (Auber 93) became a surprise French road race champion when he won an uphill sprint in Chantonnay.

"I knew the podium was possible," he told Directvelo. "In the past, I have a lot of class 2 races and when I won at the Circuit de Lorraine (in 2012,,ed.) which is a class 1 race, I got a lots of confidence. At that time I thought that I was able to beat a Coquard or Bouhanni. Since the Route du Sud, I believed it even more. My team, my family, my friends, everyone told me I could do it. That gave me tremendous confidence.

"Although Bouhanni still had two teammates, I thought he was beatable. Especially since it was windy. After more than 200 kilometers of racing, it's hard for everyone. There was a small climb in the finale that I had to survive. When Tony (Gallopin) launched his sprint, I followed immediately. I did not at all worry about Nacer. I did what I could do, I like to start my sprint from afar. I started in the left-hand side of the road so that my opponents had to take as much wind as possible when they wanted to pass me.
 
"I hope this will change my life at the professional level. I am open for offers. For the rest, I'll remain Steven Tronet. I am used to doing my own sprints: when you're in a small team, you are more isolated. I am never discouraged and my moments of doubts have pushed me to work harder and take more risks in training. 
 

"Cycling is a family story, even though I am the only one to ride beyond the regional level. Thanks to cycling, I built my network of friends. I organize a bike race and I often talk to people I meet on my training roads. 

"For five years, I've been really motivated. Before then I was too young. 

"When I was at Roubaix-Lille Métropole, I was too comfotable. I think it hindered my career. It did not put me enough. Since I joined Auber 93 it has been different. I really realized my potential in 2014 at the 4 Jours de Dunkerque, where I managed to fight against Chavanel. I thought that if I am able to follow one of the best French riders, I am able to do a lot of things.

"I feel I can still make progress, including by participating in big races like the Tour de France and Paris-Nice. Riding for a Continental team does not make me nervous. Apart from the budget, we have nothing to envy the WorldTour teams. Anyway, if we can get a place in the peloton, we are taken seriously, regardless of the team we ride for.

"I will take a vacation in Spain, in Platja d'Aro. I'll take the opportunity to rest. After that, I will take on the Golden Challenge (National Elite) and then Polynormande."