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Rory Townsend, the former Irish road race champion and rider for Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, has entered an impressive phase of form this season following a strong spring campaign that included notable performances in major classics. After a break from competition, Townsend has returned to racing with vigor, recently securing his first podium of the season at Boucles de la Mayenne (2.Pro), a prestigious four-stage race in France featuring several WorldTour teams.
Townsend’s 3rd place in the opening prologue stage of Boucles de la Mayenne signaled his strong form. The 5.4km time trial, not typically his forte, showcased his ability to leverage his sprinter’s engine for a powerful effort against the clock. He finished just six seconds behind stage winner Thibaud Gruel (Groupama-FDJ) and runner-up Benoît Cosnefroy (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), with an average speed of 47.078kmph. This result highlighted Townsend’s versatility and determination to excel in disciplines beyond his usual strengths.
The second stage, a 166.6km route from Saint-Berthevin to Juvigné, featured a challenging finishing circuit with short, sharp climbs. Pierre Latour (Team TotalEnergies) claimed a solo victory, while Townsend finished in the reduced peloton, 44th on the stage. Despite a more modest result, he retained his 3rd place overall, demonstrating consistency in the general classification.
Stage 2 proved to be another demanding day, with a grueling 201km course from Sainte-Suzanne to Bais and 3,000m of elevation gain. Aaron Gate (XDS Astana Team) emerged victorious after a two-up sprint against Latour, while Milan Menten (Lotto) clinched 3rd place in the chasing group. Townsend finished 5th on the stage, just five seconds behind the leaders, but slipped to 6th overall as other riders gained time bonuses. Despite this, he remained in contention, just nine seconds behind the new race leader, Gate, heading into the final stage.
The concluding stage, a 164km route from Javron-les-Chapelles to Laval, featured multiple short climbs in the finale—a profile that suited Townsend’s strengths. With only nine seconds separating him from the race lead, he had a strong opportunity to improve his general classification position. Townsend’s resilience and consistency throughout the race underscored his excellent form and ability to compete against top-tier riders.
This strong performance in France follows a notable spring campaign for Townsend, during which he showcased his breakaway prowess in major classics like Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders. These experiences, combined with his recent results, indicate that Townsend is hitting his stride at a crucial point in the season. His ability to adapt to varying race profiles—whether it’s sprinting, climbing, or time trialing—demonstrates his growing versatility as a rider.
Townsend’s achievements in Boucles de la Mayenne are a testament to his hard work, tactical intelligence, and physical preparation. As he continues his summer racing block, his performances will likely attract attention, both from his team and the broader cycling community. With his confidence high and form peaking, Townsend is poised to secure further notable results in the coming races, solidifying his status as a key rider for Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team and a prominent figure in Irish cycling.
