Julien Simon takes surprising win at Grand Prix du Morbihan

TotalEnergies veteran Julien Simon has taken a surprise win at the Grand Prix du Morbihan, with a late attack that reminded of his prime years. After winning it in 2012 and 2014, the 36-year old has taken his first pro win in over three years at the French race, with his puncheur characteristics playing out perfectly.

The 185-kilometer long race was suited to the puncheurs, however some sprinters also had the legs to go over the many hills faced in the circuit around Grand-Champs. It seemed as if a bunch sprint was inevitable at the entrance of the final kilometer, however Simon surprised with a deadly attacked before the sprinters could launch their bid to the line, and managed to hold the gap to the line taking a very meaningful triumph. Alexander Kristoff and Jake Stewart came in second and third, bringing in important points for the UCI rankings.