Arnaud Démare 2nd

Race reportAug 26, 2025

World Team TeamTour Poitou - Charentes en Nouvelle Aquitaine

On his 34th birthday, Arnaud Démare came very close to his 98th career victory. He finished second in the sprint of the first stage of the Tour Poitou-Charentes.

Arnaud Démare

Once I crossed the line, I knew I was second. I'm disappointed. We finished on a motor racing circuit. Before the finish line, there was a big dip. I got a good start from the ARKEA–B&B HOTELS team. I waited for the sprint to start and got overtaken. Then it was a battle. I launched my bike well over the line. Maybe I was afraid of not winning when I had the chance to take the lead. It's a shame, but that's part of sport. Physically, I felt good. I lacked confidence. My strength is launching from a distance, but this time I waited for the sprint to start. A sprint requires a lot of confidence and taking control of your opponents. That's what I lacked on this first stage. But there will be other opportunities.

Laurent Pichon

Sport director

Arnaud finished second. It would have been nice for him to raise his arms on his birthday. The ARKEA–B&B HOTELS team came close to success. There is a hint of disappointment at coming so close, but the team did a very good job. Baptiste Gillet, along with the other sprinter teams, controlled the breakaway. Then there were no mistakes in the positioning, either in the approach to the final circuit or in setting up the train with Emmanuel Houcou and Luca Mozzato. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough, which is a shame. The team did a good job and if we keep it up, we'll get the win. As in the last few races, we're on a good run.

Our latest news

Jenthe Biermans 5th in Voiron
Race reportAug 26, 2025
World Team TeamLa Vuelta Ciclista a España
Léandre Lozouet 16th
Race reportAug 25, 2025
World Team TeamVuelta a España
Arnaud Gérard: ‘Amaury had strong legs’
Race reportAug 24, 2025
World Team TeamRenewi Tour
Roger Tréhin: ‘A finalclimb swallowed up very quickly’
Race reportAug 24, 2025
World Team TeamLa Vuelta Ciclista a España

All news