March 9th, 2008 - Lillers, Pas-de-Calais, France

The team crossed over France for the 44th Grand Prix de Lillers - Souvenir Bruno Comini, a UCI 1.2 event of 163,5km over few hills and narrow roads.  It was cold and pouring rain from the start to the end.  170 riders were at the start line.  Like any other Europe spring races, the pack was aggressive and attacks started from the first kilometres.  Unfortunately, Joël got caught in a crash at the beginning of the second of 3 laps over few hills.  He got back on his bike and it’s only once on the hills that he notice his rear derailleur bent.  Calling for mechanic support from our team car, he was following in between cars in the caravan.  For a fraction of second he glanced back to see if the team car was there and when he looked back ahead, the car in front of him had apply the brakes and Joël went head first into the rear window of the car.  Obviously shocked, he was sitting on the road, when our team car came up.  Even though he had no major injuries (thanks to his Giro Ionos helmet!), it was clear that Joël was not going back on his bike for this race.  He had no injuries, beside the abrasions from his previous crash of the day.  He’s doing much better at the moment.  Still, he is a bit uncomfortable, but his fitness is there. Getting into the back window of a car is the nightmare of 9/10 riders.