Arnaud Demare, finished second, ahead of Bryan Coquard. It was necessary to use the photo finish to decide between the two French.
© Radio France
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Michael Benoit
Arnaud Demare, second for the third time (after 2021 and 2013) on Paris Bourges, was blown away with victory a few meters from the finish: ” This result does not lower my stats in any case, but yes, second again! My team did a great job, we had hardened the race in the ascents of the mountains. It was looking good for the final sprint but Philipsen was well wedged in my wheel for the final stretch. I did the whole sprint in front but he slipped out less than 50 meters from the line. It’s like that. ! “ Arnaud Démare finished second last year before winning Paris/Tours the following Sunday. that’s all the harm we can wish him.
© Radio France
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Michael Benoit
He didn’t miss much either Bryan Coquard to impose. Second in 2018, the Cofidis sprinter hopes that Paris Bourges will smile at him one day: ” I had good legs. It was quite a fight, mine nothing. I like that, but when Philipsen started I couldn’t do much more than stay in his wheel to take advantage of the suction and try to put in a final push. It wasn’t enough. I do not despair. I made many podiums in the Tour de Vendée, before winning. I hope it will be the same here in Paris Bourges! “