Ben Healy's Subdued Season Opener: A Strategic Build-up or Cause for Concern?
Ben Healy, the seasoned EF Education-EasyPost rider, has opted for a low-key entrance into the new season, marking his fifth year on the World Tour. Accompanied by fellow Irishman Darren Rafferty, Healy embarked on a series of competitive races in France, setting the tone for the upcoming challenges.
Despite not dominating the finals, Healy's performance met his expectations, leaving him satisfied with his progress. He candidly admitted to typically experiencing difficulties in the initial race of each season, making his 20th place finish at the Faun-Ardèche Classic (1.Pro) on Saturday a notable achievement.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Healy's contentment with his performance raises questions. Was this a strategic approach to manage his form, or is there more to the story?
The Faun-Ardèche Classic, with its grueling 3,400m of elevation gain, saw Paul Seixas of Decathlon CMA CGM Team emerge victorious, solidifying his rising star status in the cycling world. Seixas' solo win, 1:48 ahead of the chasers, showcased his prowess.
The chase group, featuring Jan Christen (UAE Team Emirates XRG), Lenny Martinez (Bahrain-Victorious), and Matteo Jorgenson (Visma | Lease a Bike), demonstrated their strength, with Healy trailing at 20th, 5:14 behind. Rafferty, in his third season, fulfilled his team duties before withdrawing, while Jamie Meehan (Cofidis) finished 61st in his debut pro season.
The following day, the trio of Irish riders returned to the French roads for the 185km Faun Drome Classic (1.Pro). Healy, despite finishing 44th, was only 1:07 behind the winner, Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ United), indicating a promising performance.
Grégoire's victory was secured through a powerful final kick, outperforming Jorgenson in their two-man sprint to the line. Healy, part of the chasing pack, couldn't maintain his position as the climb intensified, with Martinez claiming third.
From an Irish perspective, Meehan and Rafferty finished 63rd and 119th, respectively, showcasing the team's overall solid performance over two demanding race days.
Healy's historical performance at these events, coupled with his subsequent fourth-place finish at Strade Bianche (1.UWT) last year, suggests a strategic approach to his season's build-up. With Strade Bianche on the horizon next Saturday, Healy will have the opportunity to gauge his form and potentially replicate his 2025 success. Rafferty, meanwhile, will take to the Italian roads for the Trofeo Laigueglia (1.Pro) on Wednesday.
So, was Healy's low-key start a calculated move, or is there room for improvement? Share your thoughts below!
