Ryan Anderson enjoys great debut for Direct Energie at GP Cycliste la Marseillaise

Canadian Ryan Anderson’s first race for French Pro Continental team Direct Energie–once Europcar–was a great success as he came fifth in the UCI 1.1-rated Grand Prix Cycliste la Marseillaise on Sunday. Another Canadian who had a good ride was Hugo Houle in 13th. Both riders were the top placers for their teams.

Thank you @TeamDEN_fr 5th in my first race of the year great team! Also @globalRelay for helping make Canadian cycling stronger! #GPLM2016

— Ryan Anderson (@r_anderson1987) January 31, 2016

Belgian Dries Devenyns of IAM Cycling took the flowers, nipping French superstar Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) in a two-up sprint. The duo scuttled away on the final hill of the day. Anderson, who transferred from Optum, was third best out of the peloton.

Pinot est déjà chaud patate. #GPLM2016 pic.twitter.com/pOegefATL3

— Dans la musette (@DansLaMusette) January 31, 2016

It was also Houle’s season debut.

First 2016 race for @HugoHoule #GPLM2016 #cycling #ALLEZALM pic.twitter.com/ITsbNp2K88

— AG2R LA MONDIALE (@AG2RLAMONDIALEc) January 31, 2016

A third Canadian, Anderson’s teammate Antoine Duchesne, also kicked off his season at the hilly, 141-km race, coming in 63rd, 1:56 in arrears.

Duchesne will contest the five-day Etoile de Bessèges starting Wednesday. Houle faces the Tour of Qatar that begins February 8.

2016 Grand Prix Cycliste la Marseillaise
1) Dries Devenyns (Belgium/IAM) 3:31:43
2) Thibaut Pinot (France/FDJ) st.
3) Baptiste Planckaert (Belgium/Wallonie Bruxelles) +0:42
5) Ryan Anderson (Canada/Direct Energie) s.t.
13) Hugo Houle (Canada/Ag2r) s.t.
63) Antoine Duchesne (Canada/Direct Energie) +1:56