Just days after confirming the return of Jordan Jegat, Team TotalEnergies has received another significant lift: Thibault Guernalec is set to make his debut in his new colors.
The Breton rider, who joined the team this winter following the collapse of Arkéa–B&B Hotels, was hit by a training accident during the off-season. Forced to delay his comeback, he took the time needed to fully recover and is now ready to pin on his first race number in the chequered jersey.
“Missing the start of the season, especially one I love so much, and doing so in new colors alongside new teammates, was tough.
But I’ve had constant support from the team’s medical and performance staff, which allowed me to work calmly and in the right conditions. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been feeling better and better, and I’m now ready to get back to racing.
I can’t wait to pin on my first number with this jersey. It was about time!
The Région Pays de la Loire Tour is an important race in the West of France, and I’ll give everything to support the team over the four days.”
The race gets underway in Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, kicking off one of the key events on the French calendar.
For this edition, Guernalec will line up alongside Lorenzo Manzin, Mathis Le Berre, Jason Tesson, Valentin Retailleau and Alexandre Delettre, who impressed with a runner-up finish overall last year. On familiar roads, the team will be aiming to be in the mix throughout.
A key point to note: stage two, held on Wednesday, will take place entirely in Vendée, from La Garnache to Les Sables-d’Olonne. Over the four days, the peloton will cross all five departments of the region, with the climb of Gazonfier in Le Mans set to play a decisive role.
