Benjamin Buchetet, the reigning UEC European Mediofondo champion, claimed victory at Granfondo La Vençoise on Saturday 9 May 2026, winning the 147 km grand route in 03:42:44 with 2,800 metres of elevation gain above Vence, France.
Buchetet, a 33-year-old riding for OCC Antibes-Alpes-Maritimes in the Alpes-Maritimes region, arrived at La Vençoise with strong credentials — his palmares includes a Granfondo Mont Ventoux win alongside his 2025 European title.
American Drake Deuel finished second, 2 minutes 6 seconds back. The former Harvard rower and elite road cyclist, now based in Nice, placed second at La Lazaridès last Saturday — making back-to-back Côte d’Azur podiums in consecutive weekends. Nicholas Calipa of Team OM.CC completed the men’s podium at 6 minutes 34 seconds down..
In the women’s 147 km race, Céline Le Pecheur converted a different kind of near-miss: she also finished second at La Lazaridès last week and this time took the top step, winning in 04:43:04. Justine Leyldé and Swiss rider Cassandre Kimberley followed in second and third.
On the shorter 103 km course — featuring 2,100 metres of climbing — Italian Matteo Bertrand won in 02:42:40, with compatriot Matteo Borro and Frenchman Mattia Piantoni arriving 10 minutes 40 seconds and 10 minutes 41 seconds back respectively in a tight group finish. Orlane Lavry topped the women’s 103 km standings in 03:27:21, with Barbara Sanchez 17 seconds behind.
Now in its 29th year and organised by the Cyclo-Club de Vence, La Vençoise forms the third round of the Challenge Granfondo Alpes-Maritimes. Across both courses, 309 of 343 starters finished.
Granfondo La Vencoise results HERE
Photo Credit: Facebook/ Alexandre Pastorelly
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