Gregory Wathelet braves the storm to take Prix Voyages Confidentiels 1.50 in Cannes…

The penultimate class of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes was won by Gregory Wathelet (BEL) and Riesling du Monselet, who put in a truly brave performance as the rain began to fall on the French Riviera. Second place went to Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) and VDL Groep Eureka and 3rd to Doda de Miranda (BRA) and AD Amigo B, who also earned a fast second place finish in last week’s 1.50 Accumulator competition in Saint Tropez.

The speed class was full of the all the big names preparing for the feature Grand Prix this evening. Before the weather turned, the twisting Uliano Vezzani course was causing problems at many points with rails falling throughout, but 14 of the 40 starters cleared the course without fault.

Gregory Wathelet came from the middle of the draw to take the lead just as the heavy rain began to fall in a time of 54.44s. Maikel van der Vleuten came closest with his fast grey, stopping the clock at 55.14s but the deteriorating conditions were not in his favour. Gregory accepted his prize to appreciative applause as the rain clouds rolled by and the the arena crew prepared for the evening’s feature class – the Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes Grand Prix. The weather is expected to continue with rain as well as thunder and lighting so we shall hope for the riders that perhaps a patch of calm might make the event easier and perhaps slightly dryer.

Source: GCT