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.
Results
-
'It's not like we can block him off with one kilometre to go' - Runner-up Bryan Coquard recognises Matthew Brennan poses major challenge in Vuelta a España sprints
French sprinter easily out-gunned for second time by Visma-Lease a Bike racer -
'This is a big stepping stone' - Matthew Brennan eyes Great Britain start of 2027 Tour de France after racking up fourth Vuelta a España success
'I've already booked my holiday' Briton discards last-minute change of heart over non-participation in World Championships. -
American Criterium Cup: Skylar Schneider and Justin Williams secure titles with top 10s at Giro Della Montagna
Barbara Guarischi and Preston Eye sizzle in St. Louis with victories in final race of series -
'He's close to 2022' – Wout van Aert ominously nears peak shape ahead of World Championships as he relishes high workload at Vuelta a España
'It's a conflict of interest because I want the boys from home to be successful, but if he wins Worlds, I don't think I could say how happy I would be for him' says stage winner Brennan
