Rally Cycling stagiaire Raphaël Parisella flew off the front of the Tour du Doubs on Sunday to claim the intermediate sprint competition. As a member of a 10-rider breakaway, Parisella won the first two sprints on offer during the 201km race in eastern France. After scoring points over the third and final sprint line, Parisella had the competition locked up as the group of favorites swallowed up the breakaway on the final climbs. Teammate Pier-André Coté finished 19th on the day.

“It was a positive day and a stride in the right direction,” said Parisella who was competing in just his second race with the team. “The plan for me today was to get the sprint jersey from the breakaway. I felt good and am glad it worked out.”

🇫🇷 Raph has won the sprint competition at #TourDuDoubs! Not bad for his first weekend racing with the team 🙌🏼

50km to go and a 4’ gap for the breakaway.

📸 @ChauveauElisee pic.twitter.com/q7xy87HC2I

— Rally Cycling (@Rally_Cycling) September 5, 2021

Parisella was one of three young riders that joined the team at the beginning of August. He told the team then, “I’m very motivated to join the squad and start racing.” That motivation continues.

“These were my first two pro races so it’s all about learning,” added Parisella. “It’s good for my confidence and I’m happy to contribute to the team this quickly.”

While Parisella takes a short break to prepare for a slate of one-day races later this month, his teammates in France now head to the Tour du Luxembourg from September 14 – 18. Can’t wait for that racing to begin? Follow the team’s journey at the Tour of Britain on Twitter and Instagram.