The first French stage race of the season, Etoile de Bessèges Tour du Garde has concluded, and following a strong showing in the final stage time trial in Alès, Hugo Houle has ridden to 8th place on General Classification, his first top-ten of the season.

With this solid performance Houle is happy with his result and his form at this point in the season, and hopes he can deliver for the team in his next races.

“I’m very happy with this result, I was sick at the end of last year, so the winter break was more about recovery, so it’s great to be where I am in terms of form at this point in the stage. It’s great for morale, and it was a lot of fun with this team, so I’m looking forward to my next race where I hope I can perform. I take my chances where I can, and being in good shape allows me to have more of these chances.”

Sprint Cycling Agency
Etoile de Besseges 2023 – 53rd Edition – 1st stage Bellegarde – Bellegarde 162.2 km – 01/02/2023 – Hugo Houle (CAN – Israel – Premier Tech) – photo Tommaso Pelagalli/SprintCyclingAgency©2023

Following a strong showing on stage 1, Dylan Teuns was unfortunately involved in two big crashes. However, Sports Director, Steve Bauer, was pleased with his performance, and also of the team, in general.

“This is a positive result for the team, as all the guys worked really well together. They’re definitely on track, and they’re getting better and better. Obviously Dylan’s injuries meant he couldn’t perform where he wanted to be, and with the contusions on his leg he’s definitely a fighter for finishing the race! He’s disappointed he could’t deliver in the end, but he’ll take this into the next races, it’s made him hungry for success.”