Anthony Perez (Cofidis) won the Faun Drôme Classic solo this Sunday, February 26, at Étoile-sur-Rhône (26).
The 31-year-old Frenchman, who escaped 37 kilometers from the finish, was never caught. His was an impressive performance in a particularly demanding 191.5 kilometer race which was marked by extreme wind conditions.
This is his 5th career victory.
For 2nd place, the Portuguese Rui Costa (Intermarché – Circus – Wanty) got the better of the Italian Andrea Bagioli (Soudal – Quick-Step), winner in the Drôme in 2021.
David Gaudu (Groupama – FDJ) finished 4th the day after his second place in the Faun Ardèche Classic.
Many spectators came to cheer on the peloton and in particular the favorites Julian Alaphilippe, Romain Bardet, Guillaume Martin, and Jai Hindley.
Anthony Perez, winner of the Faun Drôme Classic:
“I am very happy to have managed to stay away and to hold out until the end.
I train a lot against the clock, so I had confidence in my strength management.
My directeur sportif supported me from the very first kilometer of the breakaway to the end. It was fantastic. I attacked at the foot of the Col de la Grande Limite to soften up the other riders. I was feeling great, and we were left with three. So I gave it my best shot. The challenge was to manage myself.
It was very cold today. With the wind, it was difficult. I understood that I was close to reaching the goal 1.5 kilometers from the finish. I had already done well in Bessèges and in the Var… This victory is the icing on the cake.”
