Competing in the Centre-Val de Loire region yesterday on the Roue Tourangelle, the Team claimed its second victory of the season after a superb sprint by Jason Tesson.
During most of the race, the Team was initially concerned with managing the gap to the breakaway, with Paul Ourselin leading the way at the front of the peloton on occasions. With just under 50km to go, an unfortunate event considerably influenced the race: a massive crash in the peloton, bringing down several dozens of riders, including Pierre Latour, who was unfortunately forced to give up (more information at the end of the article). After almost 20 minutes of neutral time, the race finally got underway again and the peloton gradually closed the gap with the breakaway.
In the final stretch, the leading men were caught up and the favourites made several attempts to take the lead. But none of them really managed to make the difference, and the outcome of this 2024 edition came down to a sprint. Jason Tesson was comfortably positioned in the top 10 as the race passed under the red flame, and he remained perfectly in ambush until the right moment. In the wheel of Gerben Thijssen (Intermarché – Wanty) as the sprint was launched, Jason put in a huge burst of energy to move up and overtake his rival. Powerful, the Frenchman managed to get the upper hand and was the first to cross the finish line. A first victory in 2024 for Jason, who achieved his 7th professional success after a perfectly controlled sprint!
Quel sprint de Jason !
Revivez en vidéo la victoire de @jason_tesson sur la @rouetourangelle au terme d’un incroyable sprint
@Eurosport_FR #AllezTotalEnergies #LaRoue pic.twitter.com/RUpczzBidV
— Team TotalEnergies (@TeamTotalEnrg) March 24, 2024
Just a few days after his 4th place at the Classic Brugge-De Panne, Jason confirmed his good form of the moment and highlighted all the team’s work throughout the race. After his win, our rider relished his success, while emphasising the strength of the team:
“I didn’t miss much in Cholet and this time I couldn’t afford to miss out, I had the whole team with me, so it’s great. De Panne already felt good, and this time it’s even better, so I really want to thank the team! I really want to thank the team! […] We trust each other, it’s working, I really want to thank everyone.
Medical update concerning Pierre Latour:
Unfortunately, Pierre was forced to retire after suffering a rib injury in the massive crash during the race. After undergoing several examinations, our rider is suffering an uncomplicated fracture of the 10th rib on the right-hand side. This injury is likely to keep Pierre off the roads for several days. The whole Team wishes Pierre a good recovery, and hopes to see our rider back on the bike as soon as possible!
