Palmares

2006
1st overall, Tour Mediterranean (plus stage 4)
1st overall, Tour de l’Ain (plus stage 1)
2nd, stage 10, Tour de France (one day in yellow jersey)
7th overall, Tour de France

2004
2nd, French road championship

2002
3rd, GP La Marsellaise

2000
1st, GP Ostfenster

Biography

The oft-injured Dessel enjoyed a breakthrough and injury-free 2006 season, winning both the Tour Mediterranean and Tour de l’Ain before roaring into the Tour de France. Second in stage 10 behind Spaniard Jose Miguel Mercado, Dessel grabbed the yellow jersey for one day. He proved he was worthy by holding steady through the Alps to finish in seventh, the best by a Frenchman that year.