Le Bon Travail, Thibaut Pinot (et Marc Madiot)...

I am not sure who was the more excited this morning FDJ-Big Mat Directeur Sportif (DS), Marc Madiot, or the actual stage victor, Thibaut Pinot. It is not uncommon for a team DS to drive alongside a rider and shout encouragements, especially a rider who has broken clear of the peloton and is on the verge of victory.

Vadam photo

Such was the case today. Pinot left his breakaway companions in his wake toward the end of the eighth stage. Marc Madiot, a two-time Paris-Roubaix champion, could not contain himself, was absolutely ecstatic, and maybe a little bit nervous that his rider would be caught before the line. Not to worry though, Pinot had enough in the legs for a terrific victory. Congratulations to both men. It was exciting to the end, and Madiot had me laughing and shouting along with him.