With the first victory among the professionals of the Italian Luca Mozzato, it is certainly the highlight of the 2nd stage of the Tour du Limousin. Third at Trélissac, Benoît Cosnefroy, just after crossing the finish line, physically attacked the second in this stage, Lewis Askey.
Packed twice by the Briton from Groupama-FDJ in the last 200 meters, and very close to falling during the second maneuver of the young 22-year-old rider, the AG2R Citroën Team rider grabbed and shook Askey, and this while the two men were still on their bikes. A gesture of humor which could have cost the second in the general classification dearly, but which will only be sanctioned by a fine according to the latest news communicated.
At the microphone of La Chaîne L'Équipe, a few seconds after having vigorously shown his dissatisfaction, Benoît Cosnefroy explained his gesture. "You have to look at the last 150 meters. It's the game to put me in the box, but from there to put me at the feet of barriers... It's his job to put me in the box, if he does it - there's no problem, but between putting myself in the box so that I don't pass and putting me at the feet of barriers, there is a difference."
"We already take enough risks on the bike, we are often afraid for our lives, and when you see yourself touching the barrier feet, I can tell you that it's scary. The team worked superbly, so I wanted to look for the win and I felt that I had it surely in my legs. no more fear at the finish, that's just it," concludes the one who is only 19 seconds behind Romain Grégoire in the general classification.
💛 Romain Grégoire (@GroupamaFDJ) conserve le maillot jaune (ainsi que le maillot blanc du meilleur jeune🤍) avant l'étape reine de ce 56e #TDL2023 Benoit Cosnefroy (@AG2RCITROENTEAM) revient à 19" du leader grâce aux bonifications de l'étape #TDL2023 | #TourduLimousin
