Breton hope Halléguen surprises European champion

Mathieu Halléguen from the Breton amateur team Côtes d'Armor-Maître Jacques has claimed his first international win by crossing the line of Paris-Tours five seconds ahead of his breakaway companions. He preceded European champion Kris Boeckmans from Davo-Lotto-Davitamon and his teammate Nicolas David, who is another hope of French cycling hailing from Brittany.

"This is simply the best win of my career," said Halléguen who celebrated his 21st birthday today. He's the son of Jean-Pierre Halléguen who was a very dedicated local rider in the west of France.

Halléguen took part in an 11-men breakaway group with 40 kilometres to go. Boeckmans was the only foreigner there.

"It was an advantage that we were two from the same team with Nicolas," the winner declared. "I like this kind of demanding and windy course where positioning is a key factor. It was very nervous in the final hills but I decided to wait for the last straight road.

"As soon as I attacked I got 150 metres lead. The speed was very high. I was riding at 50km/h but they still caught me. I was particularly afraid of the European champion, but I managed to away again and get another 50 metres lead. With one kilometre to go, I knew I was going to win."

Halléguen will be a pro next year with continental team Bretagne-Schuller. He got the news from team manager Joël Blévin one and half month ago and was able to focus on his final goal, Paris-Tours.