"Hargne!" On the start line of the Roc d'Azur, Hugo Drechou had clearly shown his state of mind after his broken chain forced him to retire just 30 meters after the start of the Ford Roc Marathon on Friday. After a 2h18'30'' effort to cover the 54.5 km program, he crossed the finish line as winner this time, one minute ahead of his compatriot Mathis Azzaro, a great hope in the discipline, and 3'30 ahead of Italy's Fabian Rabensteiner. Second last year (he won the Roc Marathon), this is the first time he has added his name to the Roc d'Azur honours list, succeeding Jordan Sarrou. Winning the Roc d'Azur, in France, is very important," confides Drechou, 32. It has a greater impact than other races. It also means you can set off in high spirits for the winter. I was confident in my sensations and had decided to be at the front from the start. But I had to control my nerves and my desire for revenge. You can't make too much of an effort at the start and stay in the wheels at the beginning. I was motivated, but a little voice was telling me to calm down. Mathis is very good on the downhills and I'm very good on the uphills.We got on well and that enabled us to extend our lead. I knew I shouldn't go into the sprint with a youngster like Mathis. Last year, I failed to win the queen's race, even though second place is great. This time, I've got it!
Romain Bardet finished the Tour of Lombardy in 10th place, less than 5 minutes behind the winner.
Noémie Garnier taker Over Pauline Ferrand-Prévot
The women's race was also blue-white-and-red, with the success of young Noémie Garnier, who was crowned champion of France Espoirs in her pretty tricolored jersey. In 2h49'27'', she succeeded Pauline Ferrand-Prévot. The 22-year-old winner, who has been loyal to the Roc since her junior days, set off at pace as the race wore on. Winning the Roc d'Azur for my last race in the tricolor Espoirs jersey is great," explains the Frenchwoman. I settled into my rhythm slowly and made the most of the day. In the Bougnon, I had chills down my spine. It was like the Tour de France. I didn't see the bump go by. I decided to come on Thursday evening. I hit the road on Friday, drove 9 hours from Le Mans and here I am, winning! Today, I enjoyed every kilometer, the atmosphere, the crowds, the sun. It was great. Le Roc is really something. The podium was entirely French, with Constance Valentin (2h56'29'') in second place, and Marine Allione (2h58'44'') in third.