Ben Healy's subdued start to the season sparks mixed feelings.
Irish cyclist Ben Healy, a seasoned World Tour rider with EF Education-EasyPost, has begun his fifth season with a subtle approach, participating in a series of low-key races in France alongside his teammate and countryman, Darren Rafferty.
Despite not being a standout in the final stages, Healy expressed satisfaction with his performance, especially considering his historical struggles in season openers. He placed 20th at the Faun-Ardèche Classic (1.Pro), a challenging race with 3,400m of elevation gain, which was won by the rising French talent, Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM Team).
But here's where it gets intriguing: Healy's seemingly modest result was a personal victory. He admitted to typically underperforming in the first race of the season, so this performance was a step forward. And this is the part most people miss—his contentment with a 'good enough' start.
The Faun-Ardèche Classic saw Seixas claim his second win of the season, finishing solo with an impressive lead of 1:48 over a trio of chasers, including Jan Christen (UAE Team Emirates XRG), Lenny Martinez (Bahrain-Victorious), and Matteo Jorgenson (Visma | Lease a Bike). Healy, 20th at 5:14, played a supporting role for his team, while Rafferty, in his third season, did not finish, and Jamie Meehan (Cofidis), in his pro debut, finished 61st at 9:54.
The following day, the trio raced again in France at the 185km Faun Drome Classic (1.Pro). Healy, finishing 44th, was only 1:07 behind the winner, Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ United), who outclimbed Jorgenson in a thrilling finale.
Grégoire's victory was a testament to his climbing prowess, as he and Jorgenson held off a large chase group in the final kilometer. Healy, part of that group, couldn't maintain his position as the road inclined, while Martinez secured third place, just seconds behind.
The Irish riders' results were varied, with Meehan in 63rd and Rafferty in 119th, both gaining valuable race experience. Healy's performance is particularly noteworthy, as he historically takes a few races to hit his stride, as evidenced by his 103rd and 30th placements at these events last year.
Healy's 2025 season ignited after these early races, culminating in a remarkable 4th place at Strade Bianche(1.UWT). He's set to return to Strade Bianche next Saturday, providing an early benchmark for his form this season. Rafferty will next appear at the Trofeo Laigueglia (1.Pro) in Italy, a one-day race on Wednesday.
So, was Healy's low-key start a cause for concern or a strategic approach? What do you think? Is it better to start with a bang or build momentum gradually? Share your thoughts on Healy's strategy and the upcoming Strade Bianche!
