Stéphane Goubert
" It's clear that we're living through something fantastic ".
"We came here with podium ambitions, but you have to remain humble in this very demanding sport. If we're fourth after three weeks, that means we're where we should be. We have to be happy and satisfied with that, because it was the whole group that enabled Ben to reach fourth place. This collective effort was rewarded by victory in the overall team classification, and also by Valentin and Andrea, who were able to put their hard work into practice with two fine stage wins. For my part, it was one of my best grand tours, as we're always saying, but we've been on a superb run since the start of the season. It's clear that we're going through something fantastic, so we have to make the most of it and continue to achieve great things."
The news
Ten years on, a new victory in the team rankings
After being the best team at the Giro d'Italia in 2014, DECATHLON AG2R LA MONDIALE wins the overall team classification for the 2024 edition. After a long battle with Ineos Grenadiers, the team's collective strength in the third week enabled it to widen the gap and secure its place as best team of the Giro d'Italia.
23
The number
Valentin Retailleau, a member of the day's breakaway, held off the peloton in the final kilometers to win the last stage of the Boucles de la Mayenne: "We had a great day at the front, with everyone pulling together to get to the finish. It worked and, in the end, it's my first professional victory, which is just incredible! We're having a great season, everyone's on the same wavelength and to have a leader like Benoît (Cosnefroy) come and congratulate you at the finish is a superb reward," explains Valentin. The same day, another victory, that of Aubin Sparfel with Conti at the Tour du Pays de Vaud.