Another fantastic exhibition from the young Frenchman.
Ypres, a city that has a strong connection with the world of cycling, welcomed the junior riders Sunday afternoon for another edition of La Route des Géants, a 138.9km one-day race that featured some of Belgium’s most iconic climbs: Monteberg and Kemmelberg, the last of which came just 22 kilometers from the finish.
The French Champion, one of the season’s stand-out riders, launched a powerful acceleration in the final part of the race, joining the original break before going clear on the Kemmelberg and immediately building a solid gap on the peloton. Behind, his Soudal Quick-Step U19 teammates were quick to shut down the attacks launched by those hoping to chase and join the 18-year-old, who continued to increase his advantage with each kilometer. Defrance ended up taking the victory by a margin of more than 40 seconds for his eighth success of the year, becoming the first Frenchman to win La Route des Géants.
Today was a beautiful day and it feels great to get another victory.
“I had ambitions before the start, as I knew this parcours was made for me. During the race, we all worked together as a team to control the breakaway, which allowed me to be in good shape to attack and join the lead group. I was then able to go solo on the Kemmelberg and ride the last 20 kilometers alone. It was a perfect race for us.”
“I had strong legs, but also a very strong team, and I want to thank them for their support and amazing work today. It’s been a fantastic season for me so far, but I still have a few more goals and I hope to fight for other victories together with this squad”, said Simon after the win which he landed in his longest race of the season.
