TOUR DE FRANCE - STAGE 5
A CHALLENGING TIME TRIAL, ANTHONY PEREZ IN THE RIGHT TEMPO

The Cofidis riders did the time trial in Mayenne with dedication and professionalism. Anthony Pérez, who competed hard, finished at the gates of the Top 20 and Guillaume Martin said he had "more fun than usual".  

After the first four stages, the peloton has left Brittany. Before looking forward to the end of the week, which will be full of excitement with the Alps in sight, there was an important moment on Tuesday with the time-trial in Mayenne. Of course, time-trials are not the favorite exercise of the Cofidis team, but that doesn't prevent the riders from doing it with great dedication.

Anthony Perez, who is particularly fond of this exercise, had the pleasure to ride it thoroughly. Arriving 3rd at the finish line, the rider from Toulouse takes the 22nd place of the stage, 1 min 42 sec behind the winner, Tadej Pogacar and finish 3rd best Frenchman. His team-mates also showed their seriousness, while saving their strength for the days to come. There are plenty of deadlines: after a stage promised to the sprinters, there will be the longest stage of the Tour to Le Creusot, followed by the mountains and the Alps at the end of the week.

THEY SAID

Anthony PEREZ : « I really like the time trials for the punchers and today's route suited me well. It was the right one for me with a good part for punchers at the beginning and a fairly smooth finish. It was ideal for my abilities. The team allowed me to ride it at full speed and I thank them for that, it was really nice of them.  »  

Guillaume MARTIN : « I started this race without any pressure and I started rather slowly. I finally had more control over my effort and I finished well. I managed to have more fun than usual, without losing too much time. I am quite confident about my form and it is good to confirm that on a short stage which is close to what we will experience in the mountains. At the beginning of the Tour, I was told that I had to make sure that I lost time on purpose. However, I admit that I find it difficult to do so, it is not in my nature. To lose time by force of circumstance is very good. »  

Samuel BELLENOUE, performance manager : « We came knowing that we were not going to fight for the general classification. But the outcome of the day is globally good. Anthony Pérez wanted to do it thoroughly and he did a very good time considering the competition that was there today. For the other riders, it went well, there was no danger and that's the main thing. Now we have to move on: the best is yet to come. »

STAGE 6
TOURS - CHÂTEAUROUX (160,6 KM)

COFIDIS, BEHIND THE SCENES
By Mathilde L'Azou / Team Cofidis