One of the fastest cyclists in the professional peloton, Arnaud Demare (Groupama – FDJ), watched his 60 year-old father sprint to victory in the French Tricolore National Cyclosportive Championship in the 60-64 age category on Friday 24 June.

60 year-old Josué Demare (CC Formerie) outsprinted Jacques Mismaque in a two up drag race to the line, both recording a finish time of 3:28:58 on the 133 kilometer route around Cholet, France.

When Josué saw the finish line, he had no option but to win. It’s what Demare’s do well, very well. His son of course is an eight times stage winner at the Giro d’Italia and three times French National Road Champion.

After winning the Tricolore Cyclosportive the aging cyclist Josue couldn’t help but laugh, “It was not easy!” he told ouest france news.

On Sunday father and son will reverse rolls, with Arnaud racing to win his fourth French National Championship while dad cheers from the side of the road – and waits for what he hopes is a sprint finish.

Over 500 riders participated in the Tricolore Cyclosportive, with the overall victory going to 21 year-old neo-pro Jules Boulais (Sojasun Espoir ACNC) in 3:17:14. Beret Louane (Lanester Women Bretagne Sud) won the women’s Tricolore in 3:23:09. 

Complete Tricolore Cyclosportive results HERE.

Photos: co-etiene lizambard, FFC/Tricolore Cyclosportive