Vauquelin impresses in the Tour time trial: 'Faster than Vingegaard!'

img
img
img
img
shape
shape
blog-details
9
Jul
ad

The young Frenchman takes an incredible fifth place in his home stage in Caen

"You're faster than Vingegaard! You're faster than Matteo Jorgenson! Go, boy!" This was the encouragement that resonated over the radio at Arkéa-B&B Hotels and was broadcast on Eurosport during Kévin Vauquelin 's performance in the 33km time trial at the Tour de France.

The 24-year-old Frenchman, wearing the white jersey as best young rider, finished fifth in Caen, just 49 seconds behind winner Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep) and 33 seconds behind second-placed Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).

"I had no legs left, but I still had my heart and lungs. I'm over the moon," the emotional French runner declared at the finish line, greeted by the warm cheering of the home crowd.

Vauquelin, who grew up in Bayeux, just 30 kilometers from Caen, received the most enthusiastic support from the crowd gathered in the city center. His performance was no accident: this year, he already won the Etoile de Bessèges thanks to a time trial, in addition to overall victory in the Tour de la Région Pays de la Loire and second place in the Tour de Suisse.

"It's an incredible feeling, a time trial on my home turf, wearing a distinctive jersey. It was fantastic," he commented after the race. "I lost the white jersey, but it's almost logical against Remco, who is an Olympic champion and two-time world champion in the discipline. I'm enjoying every moment; my fan club will be lining the road tomorrow. Whatever happens, I'll be smiling throughout the stage; it will be memorable once again."

With this performance, Vauquelin moved up to third place in the general classification, confirming himself as one of the biggest surprises of this 2025 Tour de France.

Sprint Cycling Photos