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Jamie Meehan (AVC Aix-en-Provence) secured his best result since stepping up to UCI Continental level this year with a strong performance Le Poinçonnet-Panazol Limoges Métropole. Despite finishing second, Meehan believes he could have claimed victory had he adopted a more aggressive strategy in the final stages of the race. The former Irish U23 road race champion showcased his climbing prowess and resilience in challenging conditions, but ultimately lost out in a two-up sprint to France’s Tom Lambert Wetzel (Vélo Club Villefranche Beaujolais).
Meehan reflected on his tactics post-race, admitting he might have missed an opportunity to win. “I think I gave up a win,” he told stickybottle. “I definitely felt strong, and he told me afterwards that he was dead. There was a good climb with 10km to go, and if I’d gone there, it could have been a different story.” Despite the setback, Meehan expressed satisfaction with his form and performance, particularly given technical issues with his equipment due to heavy rain. “My power meter wasn’t working in the rain, but the sensations were good. And I know what to watch out for going forward, what to improve on.”
The 158km race began with a flat opening section, accompanied by crosswinds, before conditions deteriorated with heavy rainfall. Meehan noted that the adverse weather began to take its toll on the peloton’s morale around the 60-70km mark. “Heads were dropping, but it didn’t really phase me too much with being where I’m from,” he joked, referencing his Donegal roots. When the race reached a significant climb at the 106km mark, Meehan seized the initiative. “When we hit the climb, the head for the front, and when I saw it was in one line, I attacked.”
However, Meehan’s early move was neutralized by Bourg-en-Bresse Ain Cyclisme, a strong Conti team that rode aggressively on the climb. Their efforts split the race, with Meehan cresting the first peak in a group of eight riders. This group worked together before swelling to around 20 riders near the top of the climb, where Meehan claimed the climber’s prime. Shortly after, Lambert Wetzel attacked, and Meehan was the only rider able to bridge across, forming a decisive two-man breakaway with about 40km remaining.
“We saw we had a gap, and we just went for it from there,” Meehan said. The duo worked well together, maintaining their advantage over a seven-rider chase group. Meehan made a final push with 3km to go, but Lambert Wetzel countered effectively. In the sprint finish, Meehan led out but was outpaced by his French rival, who claimed the victory. The pair finished 58 seconds ahead of the chasing group, with Lambert Wetzel taking the win.
Despite missing out on the top step of the podium, Meehan’s performance was a testament to his growing confidence and ability at the Continental level. His aggressive riding on the climbs and ability to read the race bodes well for his prospects in future events. “I’m pretty happy with the shape; how the legs were, how the body was,” he said. “And I know what to watch out for going forward, what to improve on.”
Meehan’s performance in challenging conditions highlights his resilience and tactical acumen. While he may have left victory on the table, his second-place finish marks a significant milestone in his development as a rider. As he continues to adapt to the demands of racing at the Continental level, Meehan’s attacking style and climbing strength suggest he will be a rider to watch in the coming season. With a keen understanding of the lessons learned from this race, he is well-positioned to capitalize on future opportunities and secure that elusive first win.
