| |
|
|
| |
Grand Prix de Plumelec-Morbihan
Preview |
|
| |
|
|
| |
The men's race has been held
since 1974, while the women's race is a relatively new
addition. The first three editions of the Grand Prix de
Plumelec-Morbihan Dames were held as part of the Coupe de
France Dames. 2014 makes the first year the race also has a
UCI rating. The first edition was won by Julie Beveridge, 2012
by Audrey Cordon and last year Emmanuelle Merlot. French UCI
team Vienne Futuroscope or Poitou-Charentes.Futuroscope.86 as
they are now known have won all three editions and are back to
defend. Two other UCI teams will start in Hitec Products and
Lointek.
The Route
Riders start out with five laps of a hilly 13.9km circuit. The
road starts descending almost immediately before a gradual
rise and descent before a short sharp climb back to the start
finish line. After the five laps riders tackle another five
laps of a slightly shorter finishing circuit. Containing the
same descent and climb but missing the undulating middle
sector. The climb is 1.8km and in total is climbed 10 times
throughout the race. While not overly long it will take its
toll early on.
The Contenders
Expect the UCI teams to try and break the race up especially
Hitec Products and Poitou-Charentes.Futuroscope.86 . However
with only three UCI teams racing expect to see a number of
riders on club and mix teams in contention as well.
Audrey Cordon
Won the race in 2012 and was 5th last year in the first chase
group at 39". Then riding as part of the Vienne Futuroscope
squad. Now on Hitec Products and in a home race expect to see
her get team support. No rider has won the race twice and
Cordon will hope to change that. Was 5th earlier in the year
at Cholet Pays de Loire another race in the Coupe de France
Dames that has an uphill finish. Her best result of the year
is 3rd at Omloop van het Hageland where she won the sprint for
3rd from a chase group.
Elisa Longo Borghini
22 year old Longo Borghini has eight top 10 finishes this
year. Finished 3rd, 4th and 6th respectively at Flèche
Wallonne, Ronde van Vlaanderen and Trofeo Alfredo Binda. With
all 10 circuits including a climb Longo Borghini will be one
of the favourites. Expect to see her try and drop riders and
escape solo.
Amelie Rivat
Finished 17th last year 42" behind winner Emmanuelle Merlot.
Only seven race days so far this year. Finished 9th in the
uphill finish at Cholet Pays de Loire and just missed the top
10 at Trofeo Alfredo Binda with 16th. On home soil and riding
for Poitou-Charentes.Futuroscope.86 that has won the previous
three editions expect to see her motivated to repeat that.
Sandrine Bideau
Made the main chase group last year and finished 8th. With two
teammates up the road there was no reason to chase. With
Poitou-Charentes.Futuroscope.86 wanting to take a 4th win
expect to see the entire team aggressive. Only five UCI race
days so far this year.
Mélodie Lesueur
Rounded out the podium last year and the only rider not from
Vienne Futuroscope up there. Consistent but quiet so far this
year after few racing days. On home roads and knowing she can
stand on the podium here expect to see a good performance.
Aude Biannic
13th last year, riding the race with a club team. Has had a
strong season to date with 6th at Grand Prix de Dottignies.
Was in the mix in every stage of The Women's Tour with three
top 10 finishes to take 11th overall. With the backing of her
Lointek squad this year is likely to improve on last years
result.
Other names to watch: Mélanie Bravard, Marion Sicot, Berengere
Staelens, Lucie Pader and Ewidge Pitel. |
|
|
|