almost a “mini-world championship” of road cycling in Oran

by time news

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The men’s road cycling race took place this Saturday, July 2 in Oran over a course of approximately 150 kilometers. France monopolized the podium. Paul Penhoët won the race ahead of Ewen Costiou and Valentin Retailleau. The Algerian runners who wanted to shine at home did not influence the running of the race.

From our special correspondent in Oran,

A light breeze, sea fog and no heat to start the morning. In Oran, the peloton of the men’s cycling race took advantage of optimal conditions to launch an assault on the title of Mediterranean champion promised to a sprinter after 150 kilometers. Obviously, the public is watching the Algerian team, which prepared for the event with a three-week course in Belgium and several races on the program.

« I really like the kindness of the people of Oran »

« We are expected and we are obviously under pressure. But it’s great to play at home in front of your home crowd. And I really like the kindness of the people of Oran “, says a little tense Azzedine Lagab, 35, Algerian champion on the road four times, one of the pillars of the Algerian selection. Youcef Reguigui, professional rider in a Malaysian team which has two participations in the Tour of Spain, is delighted to be able to participate in the celebration.

The Algerian Youcef Reguigui in Oran, July 2. © Farid Achache

From the start of the race, his team-mate Nassim Saidi leads the way in the company of a Turk and a Moroccan. In the cities crossed, the public is present and massed along the road.

In Oran, the best cycling nations are brought together. Moreover, the Spaniards have five future professional riders in their selection. But the Iberian team is diminished by cases of Covid-19 and gastroenteritis.

As on the Belgian classics, playing with the wind

For France, at least three of them have already signed a contract which starts on August 1. Even the Slovenia of Tadej Pogaçar and Primoz Roglic, both currently on the Tour de France, is present. Italy and Portugal, other important cycling nations, take part in the race.

The Italian team in Oran.
The Italian team in Oran. © Farid Achache

« It’s the games at home and we want a medal. It is not easy. Here, it just lacks a few countries like Belgium, Colombia or Great Britain to make a world championship », commented Hakim Hamza, the coach of the Algerian team. At the same time, the dietician of the French team gives his last advice to manage the moments of refueling to his runners. Every detail matters in today’s cycling. Including playing with the wind that picked up and did some damage.

« They deserve this result, they took the race in hand very quickly, they put us in the wind “, says a Monegasque runner Antoine Berlin.

The French team in Oran.
The French team in Oran. © Farid Achache

For Algeria, it’s a bit of grimace soup. Lucid, Azzedine Lagab admits that the Tricolors were too strong. ” We did our best, we wanted to see the new generation shine. We learn every day, and we have to learn from it. It’s hard to compete with European riders he says.

This did not prevent the Algerian public from crowding around their athletes to take pictures and congratulate them as soon as they crossed the line. ” We didn’t come for nothing “says the winner of the day by way of conclusion.

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