Christian Scaroni Triumphs in Classic Var’s Second Edition
Christian Scaroni of XDS Astana emerged victorious in the second edition of the Classic Var cycling race, a demanding 164 km course from Le Luc en Provence to Fayence.
The race culminated in a grueling uphill finish on the Mur de Tourrettes-Fayence, a 960-meter climb with an average gradient of 11.4%. The final 200 meters, however, tested the riders’ limits with an unforgiving 20% incline.
Despite the formidable challenge, Scaroni exhibited exceptional endurance and tactical acumen. In a thrilling sprint finish, he outmaneuvered French champion Paul Lapeira and Scaroni’s teammate, Victor Lafay (Décathlon-AG2R La Mondiale).
Another Frenchman, Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hôtels), narrowly missed the podium, finishing just behind the top three in the same time. The defending champion, Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious), who grew up in Fayence, placed seventh behind his Colombian leader, Santiago Buitrago (fifth).
Scaroni’s Path to Victory
Scaroni’s triumph was the culmination of a calculated and determined effort. Throughout the race, he remained in the top ranks, carefully anticipating the potential breakaway attempts.
As the peloton approached the decisive climb, Scaroni positioned himself near the front, sensing the opportune moment to strike. With unwavering resolve, he surged forward, quickly distancing his rivals.
In the final meters, Scaroni summoned all his remaining energy, sprinting relentlessly to the finish line. His victory was a testament to his unwavering focus and explosive finishing power.
A Challenging Course in Picturesque Surroundings
The Classic Var race showcased the rugged beauty of the Var region, taking riders through picturesque countryside and challenging terrain. The route featured rolling hills, sweeping coastal roads, and the imposing Mur de Tourrettes-Fayence, a iconic climb that tested the riders’ abilities to the limit.
Upcoming Challenges
The Classic Var victory sets the stage for the upcoming Tour des Alpes-Maritimes, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The race will feature two mountainous stages in the picturesque hinterland of Nice, providing another opportunity for the riders to showcase their endurance and climbing prowess.
Complete Results
- Christian Scaroni (XDS Astana)
- Paul Lapeira (Décathlon-AG2R La Mondiale)
- Victor Lafay (Décathlon-AG2R La Mondiale)
- Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hôtels)
- Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain Victorious)
- Matteo Badilatti (Groupama-FDJ)
- Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious)
- Clément Champoussin (AG2R Citroen)
- Filippo Conca (Lotto Soudal)
- Daniel Mendez (Kern Pharma)
