Ben Healy's Quiet Start to the Season in France
Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost) kicked off the new season with a subdued performance in France, alongside compatriot and teammate Darren Rafferty. Despite not making a splash in the finals of either race, Healy expressed satisfaction with his results, attributing his performance to his usual struggle with the initial race of each season.
Healy secured 20th place at the Faun-Ardèche Classic (1.Pro) on Saturday, a race with a challenging 3,400m elevation gain, won by Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM Team). The young French star, Seixas, claimed his second victory of the season, finishing solo in 1:48.
Healy's performance was notable as he finished well ahead of a three-man chasing group, including Jan Christen (UAE Team Emirates XRG), Lenny Martinez (Bahrain-Victorious), and Matteo Jorgenson (Visma | Lease a Bike). Healy's time of 5:14 placed him 20th, while Rafferty, in his third season with the team, was a non-finisher after his initial support role.
The following day, Sunday, the trio returned to action in France at the 185km Faun Drome Classic (1.Pro). Healy finished 44th, just 1:07 behind the race winner, Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ United). Grégoire's decisive final kick secured his victory, with Healy in the chasing group as the climb began.
Healy's performance aligns with his history, as he typically takes a few race days to reach peak form. Last year, he finished 103rd and 30th at these events, but then raced the following weekend at Strade Bianche (1.UWT), placing 4th and launching his successful 2025 campaign. Healy is set to ride Strade Bianche again next Saturday, providing an opportunity to assess his early-season form. Rafferty, meanwhile, will compete in the one-day Trofeo Laigueglia (1.Pro) in Italy on Wednesday.
