Classic Loire Atlantique, the young card
Outgoing winner of this event, Alan Riou looks back on this race which allowed him to reach a new level last year.
Photo Getty Images
Pre-race
“I race to win, and last year on the Loire-Atlantique Classic, I got my first victory. It was one of the first highlights of my career because I was ahead of some good riders. My wish is to confirm my success in this type of race in the future, before hoping for results at an even higher level. My aim is to use the UCI World-Tour calendar events to build up strength and experience, to work towards the team, and often after I have recovered well I can then put an ‘extra tooth’ into the race.
The briefing
“We are coming to the Atlantic Classic as outsiders, which does not mean that we are going to this race without ambitions, far from it. We are just lining up a young team for this race, without big leaders, and we won’t have the status of favourites, but nevertheless we have seen on many occasions recently that our young riders also have the capacity to hold the line when responsibilities are offered to them, and this is what we expect from them on this Classic Loire-Atlantique. They will also benefit from the experience of Nicolas Edet who will be able to surround them perfectly during this event“.