Alexis Vuillermoz won the test event for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The Frenchman completed the dominance of the French team.. Serge Pauwels rode to second place for Belgium.

Due to the heavy schedule, many arrived with modest teams in Rio de Janeiro where a test race was held on the Olympic course, The French coach bucked the trend: with Romain Bardet, Tony Gallopin, Vuillermoz, Warren Barguil and Thibaut Pinot he traveled to Brazil with a strong team.

It soon became clear that the French selection was unbeatable. The quintet split the field and only five riders could follow them: Pauwels, Valerio Conti (Ita), Yury Trofimov (Rus) and two Brazilians.

The Frenchmen were able to exploit their superiority. Vuillermoz attacked in the final lap and won the race. Serge Pauwels finished second ahead of Romain Bardet.

"The French team had 4 riders out of 7 in the last breakaway," Vuillermoz said. "Everybody attacked and it worked for me. Even if it’s not a UCI WorldTour event, it’s an important victory. It’s a course for climbers, with a stiff climb. Now we will enjoy the last evening in Brazil."

"We had a high level team, with automatism," Bardet said. "We knew that we were considered one of the favourites. Even if we are not sure to be selected for the Olympics, this race is important. My next race is Paris-Bruxelles."

"Apparently I still have my good Tour condition", Pauwels told Sporza. "I'm glad I can still count on my good legs.

"The course was very hard. This is really something for a type like Nibali, Froome, Quintana or Contador..

"3 kilometers from the end, Vuillermoz went on the attack. I tried to follow him, but it was difficult.

"I could still win the sprint for second place and I'm proud of it. It was nice to race here and I can be satisfied with my race.

"This course suits me well. I like to come back. The coach will now have a good idea of ​​the course and knows which riders he can cancel from the list."