While much of the road cycling world was focused on the Amstel Gold Race on Sunday, it wasn’t the only fascinating race that was unfolding that day. With its UCI 1.1 ranking, Tro-Bro Leon is a small race when compared with Amstel and the other Ardennes Classics, but what it lacks in stature it more than makes up for with character.
Raced in the Brittany region of north-west France, Tro-Bro Leon features a charming combination of coastline and countryside and is defined by many kilometres of narrow, gravel farm roads. Sunday’s 35th edition was won by Cofidis’ Christophe Laporte after the Frenchman attacked from an elite lead group with 6km to go. He would cross the line four seconds ahead of defending champion Damien Gaudin (Direct Energie) and 16 seconds clear of a chase group of 10 riders.
Photographer extraordinaire Kristof Ramon was at the race and captured the wonderful images you see below.
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- The riders begin the race under neutral control.
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- The breakaway of Kevin De Jonghe (Tarteletto-Isorex-SH), Gianni Marchand and Dennis Coenen (Cibel-Cebon) lead the race along the Breton coastline.
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- The race is defined by its many farm roads …
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- … some of which are firmer than others.
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- Eventual winner Christophe Laporte (Cofidis) was well placed as the bunch hit the early sectors.
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- The early breakway built a lead of more than nine minutes.
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- That’s not where you want your team car to be.
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- Rob Ruijgh (Tarteletto-Isorex) has a mechanical.
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- French veteran Sylvain Chavanel (Direct Energie) would end up in 35th, more than seven minutes down.
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- Stijn Vandenbergh (Ag2r-La Mondiale) led a counterattack with roughly 60km to go.
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- A reinforced lead group.
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- Lennert Teugels (Cibel – Cebon) gets cheered on up one of the race’s gravel climbs.
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- “Look Mum, no hands!”
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- Laporte forces the pace …
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- … while defending champion Damien Gaudin (Direct Energie) tries to stay in touch.
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- Australia’s Zak Dempster (Israel Cycling Academy) rode to 11th, finishing in a chase group 16 seconds behind Laporte and 12 seconds behind Gaudin.
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- Laporte crosses the line to take his fourth win of the season.
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- Christophe Laporte, winner of the 35th Tro Bro Leon.