Critérium du Dauphiné – Stef Clement – I don’t want to have regrets –

THE COMEBACK

By Stef Clement. Having not been able to compete for several weeks on account of a broken collarbone, the Dutch rider is launching his comeback at the Dauphiné. In search of confidence and eager to test himself at the highest level, the four-time Dutch time trial champion tried to surprise the peloton with an attack five kilometers from the finish on Tuesday. “I was in the vanguard,” Clement explained. “I doubted my strength two different occasions, then I just decided to try it and go all out. I attacked alone. I had nothing to lose. And I certainly do not want to have any regrets once I cross the finish line. Having been able to sustain an attack, even if this particular attempt did not result in a victory, bodes well for the coming days. It helps me to regain some confidence in my abilities. Now I will no longer doubt myself.”

THE SATISFACTION

Of Lionel Marie. “We had two cards to play for this first summit finish,” the directeur sportif said. “First, if Sondre Holst Enger managed to get over the day’s climbs, then we wanted to take him in for the sprint. And then on the other hand, Oliver Naesen had a free hand. But before the climb, both were frank with their teammates, and told them that they were not going to be able to be in the shape needed to succeed in this stage. By being honest and respecting the established tactics, this team will build itself and remain united. Special mention for the day should go to Stef Clement who went on the offensive having just returned from injury. Similarly, Jérôme Coppel had the misfortune to be behind the small crash between Romain Bardet and Alexis Vuillermoz who fell ahead of him. He risked losing some time in the overall, but I am satisfied with what the boys did today.”

THE ABANDONMENT

Of Jonas Van Genechten. The Belgian rider was experiencing breathing difficulties throughout the stage, which forced him to abandon Tuesday. The team’s sports management and medical staff will discuss when he will be fit to return to competition.

Race Pictures – BettiniPhoto