CIC Mont Ventoux - Rodriguez 4, Champoussin 5
Cristian Rodriguez took 4th place at the top of the “Mont Chauve” at the CIC Mont Ventoux, while Clément Champoussin was 5th, twelve seconds behind his team-mate.
Photo GettyImages
On the line
“The CIC-Mont Ventoux had to be run at a shorter distance because of the poor weather conditions, in order to protect our safety. We rode the last hundred kilometres, and only one ascent of Mont Ventoux. At the foot of the last climb, there were still a lot of riders in the peloton. I was well supported throughout the race by my team-mates. When we passed Chalet Reynard, I was in a good position. I decided to attack. A small group broke away and we battled it out for victory. I’m happy with the way I feel. I’m feeling good, and I hope to keep up the momentum for the Route d’Occitanie”.
The debrief
“The race was shortened because of the bad weather and to protect the safety of the riders, so it was even more competitive. There wasn’t much downtime. The last 40 kilometres were ridden at a compressor-roller pace. Cristiàn made the decision in the final, and it was he who initiated the winning move. He finished fourth. As for Clément Champoussin, he finished the climb well. He passed two or three rivals in a long effort, finishing very strongly”.