After Thibaut Pinot on Saturday on the Tour of Lombardy, another figure in the peloton, the Belgian Greg Van Avermaet, will compete in the last race of his career on Sunday during the 117th edition of Paris-Tours where Arnaud Démare will aim for the pass of three.
Olympic champion in Rio in 2016, winner of Paris-Roubaix the following year, Van Avermaet bids farewell at 38 years old during one of the oldest races on the calendar where he truly launched his career twelve years ago.
“I find the symbol strong. It was here that I won the first major classic of my career in 2011. I was a young rider who still had dreams in his head. But I never thought I could achieve them all. I am proud of what I have accomplished,” underlines the AG2R-Citroën rider.
Several other runners will pin their last bib during the French “dead leaves classic” like Tony Gallopin, 35 years old. The Frenchman from the Lidl-Trek team will then take on the role of sports director at the Belgian team Lotto.
Arnaud Démare, 32, is not about to decide on his career. The Picardy sprinter is even breathing health after winning the Tour de Vendée last Sunday and Paris-Bourges on Thursday under his new Arkéa-Samsic colors.
“My victories in the Tour de Vendée and during Paris-Bourges did me a lot of good. With the team we have established a good dynamic for several weeks,” rejoices the double title holder who is aiming for a 96th victory in his professional career on the vineyard paths between Chartres and Tours.
Belgian Arnaud de Lie, Australian Kaden Groves and Frenchman Christophe Laporte are also among the favorites.