Anthony Turgis (Cofidis) confirmed that he is one of the greatest French talents when he took a solo victory in the Boucles de la Mayenne queen stage. The Frenchman attacked out of an 11-rider front group and managed to hold off his former companions to take both the stage victory and the overall lead in the four-day race.

In 2012, Anthony Turgis finished second at the Junior European Championships and the Junior Paris-Roubaix and so marked himself out as one to watch. Last year he won the U23 Liege-Bastogne-Liege and finished third at the U23 European Championships to confirm his huge potential.

Those results earned him a contract with the Cofidis but the first time at the highest level has been a tough one for the talented Frenchman. Today he finally proved that he is one to watch also in the pro ranks when he took a great solo win in the Boucles de la Mayenne queen stage.

"We attacked very early today," he told Directvelo. "We rode hard from the beginning of the stage. The FDJ team had control, but when we got away in an 11-rider break, I knew it would be hard for them. Our lead was well-managed. When the peloton accelerated, we did the same and managed to gain time. I did everything to make sure that we rode fast. 

"Then I had to be strong in the end. When we had a good lead after the last climb, we started to believe in our chances. We rode well in the first two laps. I knew I had good legs, so I wanted to give it everything in the last lap. That's what I did. 

"I am very happy with my day. I achieved my goal. During the stage, I also wanted to pick up bonus seconds in addition to trying to go as far as possible. I finished second in the two sprints. I knew I was in the best position overall. 

"Tomorrow we will try to control the race. On paper, the stage is easier. But a bike race is always difficult!"