LILIAN CALMEJANE DIRECT ÉNERGIE

Every year since 2011, one of JeanRené Bernaudeau’s Direct Énergie men has won the queen stage of the Étoile de Bessèges. This year, Lilian Calmejane did the honours, soloing out of the winning break on the final circuit of stage three to set up the overall victory. He’s an interesting rider, Calmejane. He can climb very well, can sprint a bit and has facility against the clock. Moreover, he attacks with grit and determination. Has Bernaudeau finally found his replacement for the soon-to-retire Thomas Voeckler?

Calmejane taking stage three of Etoile de Bessèges, before going on to win overall