119th Paris - Tours Elite (12-10-2025)

[Netserk]

Lapeira and Gruel throwing it away is obviously a big mistake. But can we say that Bissegger failing to attack as both group came together is of similar stupidity?

Lapeira threw it. Gruel was put in a losing position and rightly didn't tow the better sprinter.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

He is not retiring right?

Correct. He keeps going, at least for another year.

 

[Samamba]

What makes this Decathlon fuckery even more hilarious is Godon winning the peloton sprint

 

[Kazistuta]

It’s always weird hearing Trentin interviewed. “Why is this Italian cyclist talking like a German footballer?”

Almost my wifes exact words just now!

 

[Leinster]

I´m so glad. Trentin deserved a victory like this at the end of his career.

DAMMIT! Don't scare me like that...

When the interviewer asked him if he’ll celebrate with a bottle tonight he says “No, I race Wednesday.” The man is cyclismo. When the flag drops, he will ride.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Oooooh, I like the little tree-like trophy

 

[RedheadDane]

(Hope it's okay with a brief mention of the - untelevised - U23 race here.)

Trek had a rider in 3rd both here and in the U23 race; the interesting part is that the guy who was 3rd in the U23 race is the older of the two.

 

[Cycling111]

DAMMIT! Don't scare me like that...

He's not going to retire yet, although he's already seriously discussed the possibility. He's been a professional for many years and he won't get many more opportunities like this.
By age and career, he is in the final stretch of his career.

 

[Leinster]

Lapeira threw it. Gruel was put in a losing position and rightly didn't tow the better sprinter.

I won’t leave Gruel blameless. Lapeira must’ve told him “I have a guy behind, I’m not leading out” and Gruel decided in that moment that finishing 5th was better than 2nd.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

If by “something to think about” you mean “a coaching guide in what not to do in the final km of a cycling classic,” then yes. Plenty of food for thought.

I don't understand why they just slowed down, didn't look like they were dying a thousand deaths and actually had a really good chance...

 

[Cycling111]

 

[AlfaLum]

Lapeira threw it. Gruel was put in a losing position and rightly didn't tow the better sprinter.

Gruel has a decent kick on him as well.

 

[Mayomaniac]

Trentin still got it. First podium for Fat Albert in a big one day race? Also lol at the average speed.

 

[Hugh Januss]

What the hell was that?

Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory!

 

[Hugh Januss]

One of the funniest finishes you're likely to see, shades of Simon Clarke and Di Marchi in the Giro a few years ago.

Shades of Carapaz and Del Toro at the Giro.

 

[YellowSocks]

Oooooh, I like the little tree-like trophy

It's a vine plant. I agree, this is a quite appealing trophy, especially when compared to what we usually see on podiums.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

It's a vine plant. I agree, this is a quite appealing trophy, especially when compared to what we usually see on podiums.

It looked a bit like driftwood to me but a vine plant makes sense given the region, wonder if the trophy would sprout if you put it in water (kinda like a Chia pet ), Trentin could cultivate his own vineyard once he actually does retire.

 

[Zoetemelk-fan]

Finally an entertaining race to the line
And a well-deserved victory, it felt really good here

Cycling is still alive!

 

[EddyMazzoleni]

AG2R deserves the "Tactically we are perfect" meme award.
Happy for Trentin, the race was entertaining but there were a bit too many punctures for my taste, maybe some maintenance on the dirt road is needed.

 

[YellowSocks]

It looked a bit like driftwood to me but a vine plant makes sense given the region, wonder if the trophy would sprout if you put it in water (kinda like a Chia pet ), Trentin could cultivate his own vineyard once he actually does retire.

I'm afraid this plant hasn't seen soil in quite some time. I'd be surprised if it could still grow roots. I'd like them to offer the winner a vine to plant, it would make for a souvenir in the rider's garden (or balcony). They do offer farm animals sometimes. Note that one single plant isn't enough to produce a full bottle of wine.

 

[ChasingPotatoes]

The incomprehensible thing about the Gruel / Lapeira trackstand, is that they always should have talked about money, and thus always have kept the pace high.
Either they both fancy their chances and agree the winner pays, or the rider that doesn’t fancy his chances (or the rider who sees the other rider playing poker) agrees to keep pulling for a certain payment. This isn’t rocket science.

 

[scribers]

I don't understand why they just slowed down, didn't look like they were dying a thousand deaths and actually had a really good chance...

I am watching the replay (for the first time) and I'm like 'head to the comments for clues, gang!"

 

[Netserk]

The incomprehensible thing about the Gruel / Lapeira trackstand, is that they always should have talked about money, and thus always have kept the pace high.
Either they both fancy their chances and agree the winner pays, or the rider that doesn’t fancy his chances (or the rider who sees the other rider playing poker) agrees to keep pulling for a certain payment. This isn’t rocket science.

Winner paying the loser while they still race for it is a good norm that unfortunately is for a bygone era.

 

[scribers]

It's a very good looking race with the gravel sectors

 

[Sciatic]

Just here to remark that I cannot believe how this race has been downgraded over the past decade or so and how even Cyclingnews is devoting its live ticker to gravel racing over it. Unbelievable. It's a century-plusold Classic with a storied history and innumerable legends who have won it, and it's now a 1. race placed on the same weekend as Lombardia and is treated as an afterthought by the cycling press. Gravel racing...gravel racing...is given the headline this morning.

I agree with the unfortunate degrading of this race's status, but on the other hand, folks still read the CN headlines or use the home page? I haven't bothered in years.