Julien Girard Takes Solo Breakaway Win at the Northern Classics

In one of the most unpredictable races of the season, Julien Girard of the Sanetti Racing Team showcased his tactical brilliance and endurance, claiming a solo breakaway victory at the Northern Classics. Known for his ability to time long, daring solo attacks, Girard executed a perfect race plan, attacking at the right moment and maintaining his lead to cross the finish line solo. Supported by a disciplined Sanetti team, including Annie Solheim and Marco Lazzari, Girard’s victory was a testament to both his individual strength and Sanetti’s tactical mastery.

The Northern Classics: A Race of Endurance

The Northern Classics is one of the toughest races on the cycling calendar, featuring narrow roads, cobbled sectors, and unpredictable weather that demand not only strength but also tactical intelligence. Riders face a punishing combination of rough terrain and sharp, steep climbs, making it the perfect race for a rider like Julien Girard, whose ability to break away and hold off chasers makes him a dangerous competitor in such conditions.

Heading into the race, Sanetti’s strategy centered on using Girard’s endurance and tactical savvy to take advantage of the peloton’s fatigue in the final third of the race. With Annie Solheim tasked with managing the early phases and Marco Lazzari prepared to control the peloton, the team was perfectly positioned to launch Girard into a decisive attack.

Managing the Cobbled Sectors

The early part of the Northern Classics saw the peloton maintaining a fast but cautious pace, with teams carefully navigating the brutal cobbled sectors that are a hallmark of the race. The uneven terrain took its toll on the riders, but Annie Solheim stayed at the front of the peloton, keeping the pace steady and ensuring that Girard and the rest of the Sanetti team avoided any early mishaps.

As the race approached the halfway mark, a series of attacks from rival teams began to shake up the peloton. Marco Lazzari and Annie Solheim worked together to neutralize these attempts, ensuring that the team remained in a strong position for the critical second half of the race.

Girard’s Decisive Attack

The pivotal moment came with around 60 kilometers to go, as the race entered a particularly challenging cobbled sector followed by a steep climb. Spotting an opportunity as the peloton momentarily slowed to recover from the rough terrain, Julien Girard launched his attack. His explosive effort immediately put distance between himself and the peloton, as he powered up the climb and built a significant gap.

With his superior endurance and strength, Girard quickly established a lead of over 40 seconds. The Sanetti team, led by Marco Lazzari, did an excellent job of disrupting the chase, controlling the peloton and making it difficult for other teams to organize a counterattack. This allowed Girard to settle into a steady, relentless rhythm as he extended his lead on the cobbled roads.

Controlling the Chase

While Girard pressed ahead at the front, the Sanetti team played a critical role in managing the peloton behind him. Annie Solheim, known for her tactical acumen, worked tirelessly at the front of the group, ensuring that any attempts to close the gap were quickly shut down. With Marco Lazzari also playing a defensive role, the peloton became increasingly fragmented, with rival teams unable to mount a coordinated chase.

As the race entered the final 30 kilometers, it became clear that Girard’s solo breakaway was the winning move. His gap had grown to over a minute, and despite the peloton’s best efforts, they could not bring him back.

A Solo Victory for Girard

In the final kilometers, Julien Girard maintained his focus and power, navigating the last stretches of cobbled road with precision. His endurance and ability to pace himself over long distances were on full display as he crossed the finish line solo, securing a spectacular win for Sanetti at the Northern Classics.

Girard’s victory was not just a showcase of his individual talent but also a demonstration of the Sanetti team’s tactical brilliance. Their ability to control the peloton and protect their leader throughout the race allowed Girard to execute his attack and sustain his lead all the way to the finish.

Girard’s Rising Status in the Sanetti Team

With this win, Julien Girard solidifies his reputation as one of the most dangerous breakaway riders in the peloton. His ability to time attacks perfectly and maintain a high pace over long distances makes him a key weapon in Sanetti’s arsenal, especially in races that favor aggressive, solo efforts.

This victory also highlights the depth of the Sanetti Racing Team, which has consistently shown its ability to support multiple riders across a variety of race profiles. From Maxime Duval’s sprinting prowess to Isabella Moretti’s climbing dominance, and now Julien Girard’s breakaway strength, Sanetti has built a roster capable of winning across all terrain and conditions.

Julien Girard’s solo breakaway victory at the Northern Classics is a testament to his endurance, tactical intelligence, and the impeccable teamwork of the Sanetti squad. As Girard continues to build momentum this season, Sanetti is proving once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in every race they enter.