A decisive week. “It’s one of the most important of the year,” even assures Malo Stevant, runner of the VCP Loudéac. Friday June 21, the best amateurs will meet in Normandy for the French championship. This Saturday, it is on the roads of the Monts d’Arrée that they will make “the last efforts before France”. “It’s the last moment to test yourself and reassure yourself,” adds the new Brittany champion, Ilan Larmet.
A demanding course
A demanding course, made even more uncertain by eight unpaved trails, and a legendary arrival at Mont Saint-Michel de Brasparts. “It’s a dress rehearsal before France. One of the most difficult races on the calendar, with paths and elevation gain. All the riders from the Grand Ouest meet on the Sportbreizh, the others on the Tour Nivernais Morvan (Nièvre),” continues Stevant, looking for his first victory of the season, which will be the centerpiece of the Costa Rican team.
And those who will be at the forefront will no longer be able to hide six days later.
“Especially those who win,” says Ilan Larmet, one of the favorites. It will give them a little sign for the French championship.” “We see the results. We don’t all run together but we see who is in good shape. There is a chance that the best of this weekend, on the Sportbreizh or Tour Nivernais Morvan, will still be ahead in France,” agrees Stevant, fourth in the Brittany championship in Lanfains.
“We are not going to deprive ourselves of winning”
If Saint-Martin-de-Landelles is in the heads of all the runners, as in that of Morbihan puncheur Adris GOA Jocelyn Baguelin, who will only start the Flèche bigoudène on Sunday, “so as not to do too much”, “we are not going to deprive ourselves of winning,” continues Malo Stevant, even if it means regaining favorite status.
To allow yourself to dream of the professional peloton. “When there is success in June and July… These are the months where you have to show yourself for the future. It has a big impact,” concludes Ilan Larmet, four wins this season, who “regretted not coming to the Sportbreizh last year.” A new chance to shine.
Practical
SportbreizhSaturday (140 km): from Châteauneuf-du-Faou to Mont Saint-Michel de Brasparts.
Bigoudène arrowSunday (99 km): from Île-Tudy to Pont-l’Abbé.
Favorites : Ilan Larmet (Dinan), Jonas Geens (Morbihan Adris GOA), Malo Stevant (VCP Loudéac), Tom Mainguenaud (Cre’Actuel-Marie Morin-U 22), Rayan Boulahoite (Vendée U).
