CyclingQuotes.com Boudat puts Worlds disappointment behind with win in Corsica

DIRECT ENERGIE

27.03.2015 @ 01:40 Posted by Emil Axelgaard

Former omnium world champion Thomas Boudat (Europcar) proved that he has the potential to become a great road rider when he won the inaugural edition of the Classica Corsica. After a strong trio had been brought back with 2km to go, it came down to a bunch sprint where the young Frenchman managed to beat Shane Archbold (Bora-Argon 18) and Daniele Ratto (Unitedhealthcare) into the minor podium positions.

With Bryan Coquard, Europcar have managed to take an excellent track talent and turn him into a great sprinter on the road. Prior to this season, they decided to try to repeat the success when they signed a contract with 2014 omnium world champion Thomas Boudat.

The 21-year-old Frenchman has had a slow start to his first year in the pro ranks as he has still been busy on the track but now he is ready to fully devote himself to the road. Today he proved that he has the skills to emulate Coquard when he won the inaugural edition of the Classica Corsica.

"The guys told me that I would have a good chance to do well today," he told Directvelo. "When I rejoined the group after the second climb, I understood that there would be something to do. It was not really the case early in the race, they rode really fast and there was a selection.

"I soon felt I had good legs. I could not follow the best but once the connection with the leaders was made, my teammates did a great job. We knew the Trek Factory had big ambitions with Fabio Felline, and that they would carry the weight of the race. We expcted they were going to let 3-4 riders go. That was exactly what happened. You can not win a sprint like today if you are alone. It is thanks to my teammates, it is also their victory. I must highlight their work.

"For me, it's really a surprise to win today especially since I had a poor start to the season. Actually, I have had many doubts in recent weeks. I was very disappointed with my World Track Championships which was the big goal of my season. To do the Worlds in France is probably something I will only do once. Looking back, I can say that I was not at 100%. I did not have any success.

"I had trouble coping with this failure, also because the next road races were hard for me. It was tough in the Belgian races likeSamyn and Three Days of West Flanders. I suffered a lot even though I knew it was not the easiest race of the year. I needed to to think of something else. I had to draw a line under the Worlds and what followed. The win in Corsica allows me to do so.

"[Manager Jean-Rene] Bernaudeau told me that Bryan Coquard won a pro race after two days of racing. Eventually I had to use two months. It's worse than him but it's still good."

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