Ten years later, Bourbon-Lancy has not changed. Just like the result of Axel Habert on this arrival. In 2015, the current runner of Team Attria-Montluçon had offered himself the double the turn of the community of communes between Somme and Loire. This year, at the Saône-et-Loire circuit, he still apprehended this final by winning the first stage in the Elite National Sprint (in a sprint (see classification). Axel Habert returned with Directive On its new success, ten years later, and this dynamic which continues after a second place in the Tour du Loir-et-Cher, in class 2.
Directvelo: Definitely, this arrival suits you!
Axel Habert: That’s it! Ten years ago, I was here on the last stage of the Tour of the Community of Communes between Somme and Loire. I was the leader of young people and I was not far away. I was escaped with the leaders to the general and I had launched the sprint of the last turn, in the same place where I launched today, and I won the general by gaping in the bump. I know that punchy arrivals like that suit me well.
But the competition was not the same, however …
I knew a little bit of the profile of the guys who were with me but overall, we didn’t look at each other and we gave everything until the arrival. But if we continued to collaborate like that and that we arrived in a group, I knew that I could go and seek victory. And that’s what happened today. I am extremely happy. As I go out, I owe it a lot to my teammates who were very present at the start of the race. As I was there, it arose and we managed to get out of five. Afterwards, we agreed very well until the end and that is what allows us to come in escape.
“Can’t wait to be in battle”
How did you manage this arrival, then?
From the moment I felt that the runners were starting to want to replace themselves, I launched 100 meters before this famous turn. I knew that afterwards, it would, unless there is a runner who is very strong, very punchy. But it seemed to me that in the profiles that were there, I could draw my pin from the game. Afterwards, you just had to put everything until the arrival.
This time, you are in the position of the hunt this weekend …
We will have to try to defend this general with very hard stages. I physically hope I could pass because two-three weeks ago, I was in Loir-et-Cher. It was not at all the same profiles but we will have to hang on. It puts me in confidence with this beautiful team that there is with me. I can’t wait to be tomorrow and be in battle.
You always keep your shape from Loir-et-Cher?
Yes, that’s it. I think it helped me a lot of confidence. Behind, I try to maintain this dynamic. I also work full time. I try to live these beautiful moments of bicycle, even at a high level. Being able to be there today is enormous satisfaction.
