Classic Grand Besancon Doubs

Veteran climber and former Hungarian champion Peter Kusztor looked more like himself on the climbs of the Grand Classic Besançon Doubs in France today, racing smart up the final ascent of Côte de la Malate – Montfaucon to finish 41st for Team Novo Nordisk in a field packed with prestige.

Sports director Gennady Mikhaylov:

“It’s a tough parcours here at Grand Classic Besançon Doubs and suited perfectly to the strong climbers. Of which plenty were lining up. We knew that a high placing would be a big ask for our guys today and our focus was more on do your best with the terrain and stay up there as long as you can.”

“Peter rode solidly over the climbs and considering he’s only in his third race of the season after a lay off from racing, he’s getting his climbing rhythm back quite quickly and paced himself well.”

Peter Kusztor:

“This is definitely more my kind of race, I’m gradually feeling more like myself again and the sensations were generally very good today. The finishing laps were brutal though, three steep climbs twice over and towards the end I was suffering.”

“I was with the leaders until the final climb and then gradually started to drop back and rode my own pace to the line. I lost a couple of minutes in the end, but I’m satisfied with the ride today.”

Photos: Bruno Badet