Léo Roy had a great day in France on Sunday, powering to victory at the Circuit Boussaquin in Boussac. The win came after a long, selective day of racing animated by an early breakaway and repeated attacks on the finishing circuits.
The 147-km race never truly settled, with a large move forming early that eventually swelled to more than 10 riders. That included multiple Team Vittel N’Side riders and a strong Canadian presence.
A race of attrition
As the race fractured on the repeated climbs toward Toulx-Sainte-Croix, the front group was reduced again and again until only a handful remained in contention inside the final phase.
“For the team, the race went out perfectly,” he said. “We had people in the break from the first kilometre and then more guys bridged across, so there was a big group up the road. I didn’t have to do a lot. We just waited for the big climbs.”
“The first two times over the climb, the break was still there,” he said. “So I was just following moves. Then on the last lap we caught them and straight away it went hard again. In the end there were only a few of us left.”
Confidence was good in the finale
From there, Roy said it came down to timing and legs.
“I was feeling really, really good,” he said. “I was confident in my strength, and I rolled hard to the line. It was a small group of four at the end, and I was able to finish it off.”
He crossed the line first ahead of Canadian Joel Plamondon. Plamondon, from Trois-Rivières, rides for Charvieu-Chavagneux Isère Cyclisme.
Roy is in his first season racing in France with Team Vittel N’Side.
France, but with a couple of Canucks
“When I came to France, I didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “But I was surprised—in a good way. I made connections quickly and realised the riders here are very strong. We want to win.”
He also pointed to the depth inside the squad, which has been collecting results across the season.
“The team culture is very good,” Roy said. “We’re winning a lot with different riders, so it shows how deep the team is. I think it’s only the beginning for us.”
Despite the early success, Roy said he still feels like he’s building into the European racing scene.
“I’ve only really been racing for two years now, two seasons,” he said. “So I think this is just the beginning for me.”
He feels settled in France, but he’s happy to have a few Canadians with him. Those two are Carl…
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