Paris-Camembert Results

April 14th, 2009 by Al Fresco 230 views No Comment

Jimmy Casper (Besson-Sojasun) won the semi-classic Paris-Camembert on Tuesday. He took the final sprint ahead of his compatriot Romain Feillu (Agritubel) and the Russian Alexander Efimkin (AG2R) at the 202 km race’s false flat finish. The win also secured his place at the head of the French Cup.

Casper succeeded in winning despite a strong Caisse d’Epargne team that was working hard to put defending champion Alejandro Valverde back onto the top of the podium. Casper said, “Normally this is not a race for sprinters. I enjoy (it) even more! The scenario was perfect for me. Caisse d’Epargne controlled the race, there was no big fight in the hills.”

Things didn’t really heat up until the last 2 kilometers. Casper made an early attack, thought for a moment that he lost it, then saw an opening. It was definitely a surprise victory.

Last year’s champion Alejandro Valverde of Caisse d’Epargne was unable to make a final push to the front as Casper held on.

Casper will try for victory at the next French Cup event as well, Thursday’s GP de Denain.

Casper’s heir apparent, Romain Feillu, he did not hide his disappointment: “It’s infuriating! I rolled on top of the wall of Champeaux in a good position in a small group behind Vaugrenard and another rider.” But the pack had consolidated. In the sprint Feilleu decided to take the wheel of Casper. Demaret went first and then Casper.

Top Ten Results:
1. Jimmy Casper (Fra/Besson-Sojasun), 202 km in 4h 31:49. (44,147 km/h)
2. Romain Feillu (Fra/AGR) s.t.
3. Alexandre Efimkin (Rus)
4. Marco Marcato (Ita)
5. Leonardo Duque (Col)
6. Matteo Carrara (Ita)
7. Julien Simon (Fra)
8. Anthony Geslin (Fra)
9. Lilian Jégou (Fra)
10. Benoît Vaugrenard (Fra)