Critérium du Dauphiné, stage 6 – Lionel Marie – One word: respect –

THE WORD

“Respect.” It was the first word that came out of Lionel Marie’s mouth. “I saw our riders go to the very ends of themselves,” the directeur sportif explained. “The vast majority of them are working for future goals because they have been delayed in their preparation. I have a unique opportunity to get to know these guys. Each rider, at his personal level, has done his share of the work. Jérôme Coppel and Stef Clement maintained their pace to the finish. Those two have pushed themselves to their absolute limits. And then on another level, Sondre Holst Enger has learned to manage his efforts in the grupetto. Finally, Clément Chevrier was not satisfied with his day. That’s a healthy reaction. Overall, this sixth stage has come to a satisfactory close because everyone has given his maximum.”

THE SATISFACTION

From Jérôme Coppel. “It was one of my best days at the Dauphiné,” Coppel who comes from the Savoy region, explained. “I managed to get to the top of the Col de la Madeleine with the yellow jersey group. I am still missing a little of the condition needed to go even better. I was distanced with about ten kilometers to the finish. But if I can continue on this way, it is a good sign for the future. I am racing here at the Dauphiné primarily to find the rhythm of the competition, the right pedal stroke in the mountains. Throughout the day, the feelings were coming back. I am enjoying it.”

THE ANALYSIS

According to Stef Clement: “Today, I experienced a new level of pain,” the Dutchman confessed. “Alberto Contador attacked at the foot of the Col de la Madeleine. This acceleration led the Sky team to ride hard. At that time, I was already at my limit. I could not go faster. To sum it up, I was basically time trialing to the finish. However, I must get through this level of suffering in order to progress in my preparation. My objective is to be selected for the Tour de France. I have to earn my place. This Saturday, the goal was clear: keep fighting until I crossed the line. This is a race after all.”

THE ABANDONMENT

That of Aleksejs Saramotins. Latvian rider, who was recovering from a respiratory infection that he contracted at the Tour of Belgium, left the French race on Saturday. By mutual agreement with the sports management and the team doctors, Saramotins will leave to recover in view of upcoming goals.

Race Pictures – BettiniPhoto