ALENÇON, KOPPENBURG, THOMAS...
A WEEKEND FULL OF SUCCESS FOR COFIDIS

In the shadow of Katell Alençon, who became European champion in handisport yesterday, Clara Koppenburg offered a second victory to the women's team by winning solo in Catalonia. And at the Boucles de la Mayenne, Benjamin Thomas won the general classification at the end of the race.

© Photo Courrier de la Mayenne

Katell Alençon, twice European champion !

Katell Alençon continues her record of prestigious victories. At the European Championship, held in Austria, the young woman first won the time trial on Friday, despite recurring back pain (lumbago). And the next day, she managed to find the strength to win the road race. Two exceptional successes that will allow her to wear the European champion's jersey throughout the year. In addition, Elise Marc took the silver medal in the time trial and Mickael Carrier the bronze medal in the same exercise.

Clara Koppenburg, the 2nd victory of the women's team

© Photo VoltaACatalunya

She won solo and took time to raise her arms before enjoying her victory. This Sunday in a 97 km race, Clara Koppenburg showed her skills on the roads of the Tour of Catalonia. By breaking away on the Creu de l'Aragall climb, she managed to take the lead over her rivals before leading the race alone for more than 30 kilometers.

“We were under a bit of pressure because we really wanted to win this race," explained Clara. We had a great team race, my teammates did an incredible job. After I attacked, I just told myself that I had to hold on. It gives the whole team a lot of confidence going forward." This is the second victory for the Cofidis riders after Martina Alzini's success in the Bretagne Ladies Tour (4th stage) on May 6.

Benjamin Thomas, beyond himself

© Photo NathalieTeyssier

It's a smile-inducing picture that brings back memories of the beginning of the season, when Benjamin Thomas won the Étoile de Bessèges last February. Four months later, it is on the roads of the Boucles de la Mayenne that he won the general classification. A success expected since last Friday after his victory in a sprint between the favorites. Then, the team worked hard to support and protect him throughout the weekend. Today, there were 180 km to ride between Martigné-sur-Mayenne and Laval. The expected sprint took place and Bryan Coquard came within a few centimeters of victory (3rd). Benjamin Thomas, vigilant until the end, kept his leader's jersey, finishing the stage a few centimeters behind the sprinters. He finally beat Benoit Cosnefroy by 3 seconds in the general classification.