Boucles de la Mayenne: Thibaud Gruel claims prologue victory and takes overall lead
Benoît Cosnefroy settles for second, Rory Townsend third in Espace Mayenne - Laval

Thibaud Gruel (Groupama-FDJ) claimed the opening stage of the Boucles de la Mayenne on Thursday.
The 21-year-old blasted through the 5.4km solo individual time trial prologue in Laval to take his first pro win over compatriot Benoît Cosnefroy (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) by three seconds.
Rory Townsend (Q36.5) was third at six seconds, with the general classification gaps the same.
The four-stage Pro Series Boucles de la Mayenne continues on Friday with a punchy stage to Juvigné.
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Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.
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