Stage win for Vichot

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Arthur Vichot (FDJ) claimed the win on stage 2 of Paris-Corrèze, with Jonathan Hivert in second and Gianni Meersman in third. It was the 21-year-old’s first professional win, in the same race that saw his teammate, Wesley Sulzberger win last year. Mickaël Buffaz (Cofidis) finished safely in the bunch and claimed the overall win.

Stage 2 of Paris-Corrèze ended on a gruelling circuit of Chaumeil, in the centre of France. Vichot, who became famous at the beginning of the year when he was randomly supported by a cycling club in Adelaide as an unknown beginner to support, formed part of winning break inside the final 15 kilometres, eventually dropping his companions and holding off the bunch.

“It’s a great pleasure to win”, Vichot said. “I ride my bike for winning. It’s the conclusion of a huge team work. It also makes my personal work of six months concrete.”

After a short break from racing Vichot had found good form in training and came into Paris-Corrèze having finished 8th overall at the Tour de Wallonie last week.

On the final lap of the curcuit, Yuriy Trofimov of Bbox Bouygues Telecom attacked just after the peloton had regrouped on the downhill of the Col des Géants with 15 kilometres to go. Vichot quickly followed, along with Trofimov’s team-mate Franck Bouyer who suffered cramps in the finale and was dropped. Vichot attack Trofimov straight away and managed to stay clear of pack.

The bunch were classified in the same time with Jonathan Hivert of Saur-Sojasun taking second place and Gianni Meersman third. The Belgian from FDJ was closely followed by race leader Mickaël Buffaz who kept his lead over him.

“I’m a bit surprised to win Paris-Corrèze overall,” Buffaz said. “I felt the emotion of winning and the stress of having the jersey but my team was strong. My stage win last year at the Tour de l’Ain has made me another rider. Now I want to see how far I can go.” The Cofidis rider will try to keep his winning mood next week at the Tour de l’Ain again.

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