If Athens cries, Sparta does not laugh, the ancients used to say. In Italy the imminent departure of the Bennati's national team is surrounded by skepticism linked to an objectively difficult season, but Beyond superpowers like Belgium, not everyone can fly to Australia with peace of mind.France won't do it, Thomas won't do it. Voeckler, which he also found in extremis his pupil Alaphilippe looking for a hat-trick in a row difficult especially due to the consequences of the fall at the Vuelta. But his bad mood is linked to something else, to the great refusal of cosnefroy.
It all started immediately after the latter's victory at the Quebec GP, the first of two Canadian classics included in the WorldTour. The 26-year-old Frenchman had ruined the plans of the favourites by anticipating the group's sprint 2 kilometres from the finish line, winning by 4” over the former winner on Canadian soil Matthews, Girmay e Van Aert (coincidentally, three of the favourites for Wollongong). A great demonstration of not only physical but also mental fitness, implementing a perfect plan.
A victory that changes everything
«It was premeditated – said the 26-year-old from Cherbourg en Cotentin at the finish line – I had to and wanted to attack while Van Avermaet could play on the counterattack. For me this victory means a lot, if before it had been a season that had relatively satisfied me, now it is exceptional".
A season, that of Cosnefroy, with 7 podiums, with the double second place of theAmstel Gold Race and the Brabant Arrow («but I thought about the one in Holland a lot, I was really close to winning and it would have changed everything»), but also a Tour de France as an absolute supporting actor. Afterwards, Cosnefroy had already shown that he was growing and the one in Canada was a ring that could not go unnoticed.
The city's pressing
During the three-hour drive from Quebec City to Montreal, Benoit spent the entire time checking his smartphone, reading the barrage of incoming messages. "And I haven't even read them all..." Among these was also that of Voeckler, who congratulated him, recalling his victory in 2010, the only one by a Frenchman on those equally French-speaking roads. Cosnefroy had already spoken to the coach before leaving for overseas, expressing his doubts about his presence, but much had changed since then.
Meanwhile, Cosnefroy had previously been a placeholder, now a winner against even his potential rivals from Wollongong. Furthermore, France's lineup was in danger of changing: Without Alaphilippe or with the world champion at half-strength, a striker capable of finishing the job was needed. And the rider of theAG2R Citroen it could have been.
A difficult decision
Voeckler returned to the charge, trying to convince him, repeating these concepts, but Cosnefroy wouldn't hear of it. In fact, when discussing the matter again with journalists, the Frenchman seemed a little annoyed: "I have nothing more to say than before. It was my choice not to participate, and I had my reasons. In high-level sport, you have to make difficult decisions: this was one."And that's it…
Benoit's choice has a very simple explanation: the Frenchman considers the trip to Australia too demanding, especially due to problems related to jet lag. Difficult to recover in time for the race, even more so later, when there will still be many appointments to honour for his team, AG2R which with its victory has contributed to "giving him breathing room" in the UCI ranking, bringing him to 13th place, but still not safe from a very painful relegation from the WorldTour.
«An example for others…»
Was there any pressure from the team? It's hard to say, but it's true that Cosnefroy is closely linked to the team and above all to the clubHe was born there, he went through all the training there and Vincent Lavenu himself, founder of the team, considers him an example like other big names like Bardet or Latour.
«Cosnefroy is the example of the concept of formation Center – the French manager told velo-club.net - that travels on two tracks: studies and cyclingNow there are other young talents, but many boys are attracted, almost blinded by the immediate contract, by those looking for the new Evenepoel. We continue on our path, as we have done for thirty years through 500 victories.».
If Cosnefroy, who already has a contract for 2023 in his pocket, was asked to make a sacrifice, could he ever say no?
