Christophe Laporte takes bronze in Paris: "Only when I crossed the finish line did Madouas say that I was third and he was second. I did not know that at all"

Christophe Laporte moved out of the Tour de France with terrific form. He was a great support rider for Jonas Vingegaard there and here he could chase his own ambitions. He was one of the leaders for the French team and the team managed to obtain two medals. Laporte once again showed his very best level and sprinted to third on a special day for these riders.

"We hoped to fight for the win, but that didn't work. We tried. But silver and bronze are great. This is a dream. Standing on the Olympic podium, in Paris," Laporte told Eurosport. An image to mark his career, standing on the podium together with Remco Evenepoel and Valentin Madouas in Paris. It was fruit of very strong legs but also some good timing with his attacks, often among the strongest in the final hour of racing, and ultimately the strongest out of the whole group in the sprint for the bronze medal.

Laporte is a specialist in long races and has a track record in the ones that also feature cobbled sectors and small ascents. He is the reigning champion in a race that was rather similar in Drenthe last fall.

The Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider was in shock crossing the line learning he was getting a medal. According to him, he had no idea where he stood in the race itself. "Only when I crossed the finish line did Madouas say that I was third and he was second. I did not know that at all. It is unbelievable. My wife is here, my friends, my children. I am very proud to do this for them and for France."