Carod prolongs French national title, Team BMC scores the double in Jeumont

Team BMC rider Titouan Carod successfully defended his French national XCO title. This Sunday, he soloed across the finish line, while a few seconds behind him celebrating, Jordan Sarrou came across the line second.

Carod's victory was an emotional moment after a strategically challenging race. It is safe to say that he didn't have the best season, he regained his form just in time to claim back-to-back national XCO titles.

Reflecting on the race, Carod said: "It felt like a battle between the Rockriders and Team BMC, and it worked out very well for us. When I attacked, Jordan was able to protect my lead. I gained a 25-second advantage and managed to maintain it until the finish line."

Team BMC played a sublime strategic game throughout the French XCO nationals. With both Jordan Sarrou and Titouan Carod racing for the Swiss team, they could take turns attacking. The team’s main objective was to ensure that the national jersey stayed within the team.

In the final lap, Sarrou launched his own attack and came close to catching Carod. The exemplary teamwork resulted in a 1-2 finish for Team BMC.

Sarrou expressed his joy for himself, the team, and his fellow countryman after the podium ceremony, saying: “This is exactly how we wanted it to happen. Achieving the double is fantastic. It's a great day for Team BMC in Jeumont."

He concluded: "Teamwork makes the dream work!"

Looking ahead, Juri Zanotti will compete in the Italian nationals next weekend. After that, all attention will turn to the World Championships in Glasgow. Carod and Sarrou were selected to represent France the day before the French XCO championships.