(Paris) “You almost finished with zero runners, but with two stage victories…”
Posted at 8:18 p.m.
Speaking to Sylvan Adams, cyclist Antoine Duchesne is perhaps the one who best summed up the epic of Israel-Premier Tech at 109e Tour de France.
In addition to the successes of Hugo Houle and Simon Clarke, the formation of the Israeli sponsor of Quebec origin added three stage podiums, in addition to being represented in the majority of the breakaways. All this while completing the 21-day three-rep event due to a fall, illness and COVID-19.
Behind powers like Jumbo-Visma (6 stages, yellow and green jerseys) and UAE (3 stages for Tadej Pogačar), Israel-Premier Tech stood out. Alpecin, BikeExchange and Quick-Step are the three other teams to have received two stage bouquets.
“It’s the best race in our history – and I’m very proud of it – but we expected a little more,” assured Adams at the end of the 21e stage, Sunday, on the Champs-Élysées.
The loss of South African road captain Daryl Impey, who tested positive for COVID-19 before the big start in Denmark, and the fall of Danish leader Jakob Fuglsang, victim of a broken rib, represented two major blows . Winner of the fifth stage in Arenberg, the Australian Simon Clarke stopped in the Pyrenees, also infected with the coronavirus.
Hard on the ninth stage, Canadian climber Michael Woods took a big week to recover before finishing third in the Foix stage.
Fortunately, Houle was there to save the day with his podium and success in the 16e stage.
“I knew we would win a second stage, but I didn’t know it would be Hugo,” admitted Adams after putting his hands on his rider’s shoulders after the finish.
“I am very, very proud of Hugo. It was his first win, but I don’t think it will be his last. After his third place he really rode like a champion the way he won his stage. It shows that he has a new confidence in him and that we will know a lot of glory with this young man. »
Adams also welcomed the rebirth of Chris Froome, third on the Alpe d’Huez stage before his forced withdrawal.
“It bodes well and he will be in our Vuelta team. From his particular way of rolling with his head and shoulders, we really saw the old Chris. I hope it will continue this season. »
“We may have more than hockey at home”
The man who gave his name – and two million – to the new Bromont velodrome wants the exploits of local cyclists to provide more visibility for cycling in his native country.
“We may have more than hockey at home. We have Hugos, Guillaume Boivins and Mike Woods who are great world-class talents. It’s good that the public knows that. »
Jean Bélanger shared the same enthusiasm. “These runners and these young people represent us on the international scene and it is at the heart of our values”, insisted the CEO of Premier Tech.
PHOTO SIMON DROUIN, THE PRESS
Israel-Premier Tech owner Sylvan Adams, Hugo Houle, Antoine Duchesne and Premier Tech CEO Jean Bélanger
His reunion in Paris with Houle, who has become a friend since they first met in 2017, was emotional.
“We really developed a relationship of respect and friendship. Through all kinds of events, he made us experience incredible emotions. When he continued to fight by finishing alone in the team at Paris-Nice (13e), we continued to support him by leaving him the bus, the mechanics, the preparers. There, to see him at the finish after all he did at the Tour, I’m telling you about it and I have goosebumps. »
A seasoned cyclist himself, Bélanger admires the 31-year-old athlete’s transformation from “servant” to leader.
“He knew how to seize his opportunities. Already, to make a podium, it’s incredible. Then leaving with panache 40 kilometers from the finish on the Foix stage to win, I think it will take us months, years to measure its real impact on this sport. What he does with young and old in Quebec, girls, boys, it’s great. »