And three for Bruno Armirail! Already crowned in 2022 and last year, the Pyrenean runner of Decathlon-AG2R (31 years old) retained his title of French cycling champion from the counter-montre in Herbiers (Vendée). On a 26.5 km course, he preceded Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B & B Hotels) of 21 ′ ‘and his teammate Paul Seixas of 43 ″.
“It was one of the objectives of the season, with the Tour,” launched Bruno Armirail at the microphone of Eurosport. I prepared the round more than the championship, but I did not get out of it too badly … The goal was to win. Paul (Seixas) who is 3rd, it’s very beautiful at 18. It will be a great battle in the future with Kévin (Vauquelin). A beautiful generation arrives… ”
🇫🇷 Bruno Armirail remains champion of France of the time trial! Kévin Vauquelin is, as in 2024, 2nd (+21 ”), while Paul Seixas climbs on the 3rd step of the podium (+43 ”) #LesRP pic.twitter.com/xUH9ss5HBd
— Eurosport France (@Eurosport_FR) June 26, 2025
Already preceded by Armirail last year, Kévin Vauquelin therefore finished 2nd. The recent Dauphin of Joao Almeida at the Tour of Switzerland, was slowed down by a fall. “I left strong. At one point, there was a sewer plaque, I found myself on the ground, I got back in it right away, but it made me leave strong. I could miss it slightly at the end. I got very well recovered from the Tour de Switzerland. I would have liked to win. I had no pressure, I felt confident, maybe too much. It’s really a shame. The road race on Sunday? I will give everything, I only have only a chance. »»
“It’s really unexpected”
At 18, Paul Seixas, signed a magnificent podium on the momentum of his Dauphiné (8th of the General, 10th of the time). “I’m super happy to be on the podium, it’s really unexpected. We have the title with Bruno. It was the longest time in my life, on a great journey. The result is there. The rest? It’s the road, we’re going to try to get the title with the team. Then there will be the turn of the Ain for me, and normally the tour of the future. »»
Armirail’s victory has been the 15th of Decathlon-AG2R since the start of the season. The French training, also owner of the title with Paul Lapeira, will try to achieve the double as in 2024 Sunday on the online race, despite the absence of Benoît Cosnefroy (contusion at a knee).
