Natalie Quinn in the breakaway in Plouay

The Classic Lorient Agglomération, held this Saturday, provided another opportunity for Mayenne Monbana My Pie to show its colours. Facing a strong field, Natalie Quinn managed to make her way into the breakaway and move to the front of the race.

The challenging course around Plouay did not wear her down, as she was one of the last riders to be caught, with just 20 kilometres remaining. The 24-year-old American managed to hang on and eventually finished 42nd. Well supported by her teammates Kiara Lylyk, Frankie Hall, Marine Allione and Justine Gegu, Fiona Mangan took 50th place after also spending a long time riding alongside the group of favourites.

This latest experience at WorldTour level brings August to a close and sets the tone for the final month of racing, starting with another Breton race weekend in a few days.

Natalie Quinn : “The breakaway was very long but we worked together well and kept a good pace the whole time. We were so close to making it to the finish, but the chase from behind was too aggressive. In the end, I am happy with how the race went and the sensations I had.”

Franck Renimel, sport director : “The goal today was to have a rider representing the team at the front. Natalie managed to get into the breakaway and built an advantage of almost eight minutes. That was a good thing, because we knew we could reach the final circuit with the breakaway, giving us hope that a counter-attack could form with the very best riders. Unfortunately for us, around thirty riders were still in the peloton when the breakaway was caught. Natalie put in a great performance, which is very satisfying given the level of the race, with 164 kilometres and almost 3,000 metres of climbing. It was a tough race, with a lot of wind — a true classic — so congratulations to her. We had kept Fiona protected for the final, and she fought with the resources she had. It was more difficult for her to compete with the best riders in the finale. We were there with what we know how to do, using the strengths we have.”

Results :

42 - Natalie Quinn

50 - Fiona Mangan

60 - Marine Allione

61 - Justine Gegu

76 - Kiara Lylyk

Photo credit : Eduardo Saiz.