Burgundy-Franche Comté regained its title on the relay of the regional committees. Winner in Liévin for the first edition of the event at the French Championship, in 2022, the north-east region did it again (see ranking) after two years of triumph for Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. “A blue-white-red jersey is always a goal. This year, we were lucky to have a super homogeneous relay. I had it in the back of my mind and I think my colleagues did too”begins Fabien Doubey. “Even though we knew there were strong teams nearby too, we are still aiming for the title”adds Electa Gallezot. Slightly behind at the last handover, the “BFC” was then able to count on its professional, Fabien Doubey, to set the record straight.
The TotalEnergies runner was ready to make the comeback. “I’ve had relays where I started a little further, where it’s super long when you see that it’s starting in front. There I knew that everyone had given their best, I had no choice “. Without getting carried away, he first counts on Soren Bruyème Joumard. “The AURA Junior gave me a good start. With experience I let him do the first two-three turns then I let the power speak”. Fortunately, Pontchâteau is in favor of going back on a tour. “Ahead, there were two very good runners, the luck I had was that the course was a little longer than other years, that allowed me to catch up. A relay, everyone says “It’s a flat out lap, but it’s manageable. It’s impossible to hold on for ten minutes, especially here in Pontchâteau.”.
“IT’S DETERMINED PRETTY QUICKLY”
Ultimately, neither Tony Périou (Brittany) nor Lorenzo Marasco (Grand Est) were able to resist the acceleration of Fabien Doubey which therefore allowed Burgundy-Franche-Comté to win four first jerseys. With a strategic part that is debatable. “The BFC leaders managed the order, in agreement with the riders. We had seen some changes to be made and we were calm and confident today”says Théophile Vassal. “We all did the recce together in the morning, we clarified and it bore fruit today. It was the right method to make it work. Our CTR suggested and we validated”. Fabien Doubey believes that there were not many configurations either. “Everyone is involved in the relay, given the qualities of each person. Everyone offers their place and we mix it all up. But there aren’t 15,000 possibilities tactically either, so it’s decided pretty quickly”.
The experience, particularly of Fabien Doubey, is also valuable support. “It can be useful, especially in the run-up to the race. A France, you have people around you, you see that the leaders of the region get into the game, have the adrenaline. The experience of relays allows you to manage the sphere around. Because doing a full lap, I do it in training so I know.”. Now everyone is ready to confirm. “It was the first year that I participated in the relay. Winning in the first one is very nice and gives you confidence”rejoices Zélie Lambert. “It reassured a lot of us. But a race over one lap and over five, six or eight laps is different”nevertheless alerts Théophile Vassal, before Fabien Doubey concludes. “We train for these emotions every day so we have to know how to savor them. And this afternoon we will get back into our little bubble”.
