Corbin Strong wrapped up an impressive week for NSN at Region Pays de la Loire as he moved up to third on GC after placing second in a thrilling final stage in Le Mans on Friday.
After teammate Ethan Vernon dominated both the conventional bunch sprints that decided the outcomes of the race’s first two stages, Strong showed his trademark explosiveness on a twisty, punchy circuit around the famous French city.
The Kiwi was part of a four-rider group that almost caught late attacker Antoine L’Hote (DCT) approaching the line. However, Strong dominated the sprint for second, which, together with bonus seconds claimed during an earlier intermediate sprint, moved him up seven places from 10th overall.
“I think the final 80 kilometers or so today were full gas – it was fun racing and I enjoyed it a lot,” says Strong. “Kudos to Antoine, he was incredibly strong. When I’d heard he’d been out there for 15 kilometers or so, I thought for sure he would tire on the last lap, but he held on.
“I’m obviously super gutted to get second today – I won the sprint behind the breakaway yesterday as well, so two close calls this week, but I didn’t manage to get the win.
“It’s bittersweet as I came here really wanting to win the GC, and yesterday’s finish was the perfect finish for me. It’s gutting not to win that or even a stage, but I’m really happy with my shape.
“It was nice going into today’s stage with nothing to lose – I’m normally a patient racer and somebody who holds a bit back for the finish, but today I got to race my bike quite aggressively, and I had a lot of fun doing it.”
Sports Director Alex Cataford said: “It was a really aggressive stage today, with the race opening up on the final laps and a lot of attacks.
“Corbin raced very smart and had an amazing team around him. The guys set him up perfectly for the final laps so he could race from the front with the other favorites. He should be proud of his effort and the way he moved up on GC.
“Overall, it was a very strong week for the team. Two stage wins and an overall podium is something we can be pleased with, but more than that, the guys raced incredibly well together and the teamwork was at a top level.”