This year the French army team, Armee de Terre, has stepped up to continental level, meaning that they get the chance to test themselves against the professional riders. Yesterday they took their first major result when Quentin Pacher was the best young rider at the Tour du Haut Var.

"Initially, I was a little protected," he told Directvelo. "The team positioned me before starting the Cote de Tuilières. The selection was made ​​from behind. At the top of the climb, we were not many left. I was well placed and saw that the white jersey holder (Christophe Laporte, Cofidis, ed) was no longer there. I tried to finish in the best possible position in the sprint. This is a great reward for the team and for our start to the season."