2024 Tour de France Stage 2 | Highlights
Report
The 2024 Tour de France continued to deliver thrilling racing action on its second day, as 23-year-old Kévin Vauquelin from Team Arkea-B&B Hotels clinched a stunning victory in the stage that stretched from Cesenatico to Bologna. Covering 199.2 kilometers, the race culminated in an electrifying finish on the renowned San Luca climb, a setting familiar to many cycling fans.
Vauquelin’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. After a challenging first day, the young Frenchman rebounded with determination and tactical brilliance. The victory not only marked his first win in the Tour de France but also the first stage victory for Team Arkea-B&B Hotels in the prestigious Grand Tour.
The race unfolded with a breakaway featuring Vauquelin, alongside Cristián Rodríguez, Nelson Oliveira, and Jonas Abrahamsen. Rodríguez played a pivotal role, controlling the pace and ensuring the breakaway stayed cohesive. As the race approached the final climb, Vauquelin’s familiarity with the San Luca climb from previous races like the Giro dell’Emilia became evident. His strategic positioning and explosive climbing ability gave him the edge over his breakaway companions.
With sheer grit and determination, Vauquelin surged ahead in the final meters, securing a solo victory. Reflecting on his win, Vauquelin expressed immense joy and gratitude. “It’s incredible! Saturday was a difficult day for me. I was at the bottom of the bucket. I wasn’t doing well in the Tour of Switzerland. I’ve had a lot of disappointments in recent weeks, and to manage to win today… Wow! I’m happy, it’s the perfect day.”
The victory was a testament to Vauquelin’s perseverance and the collective effort of his team. Cristián Rodríguez’s role was crucial, leading the breakaway and providing the support needed for Vauquelin to shine. The team’s strategic approach and unwavering support were instrumental in turning the stage into a triumph.
Yvon Ledanois, the team’s Sports Director, praised the collective effort, noting, “This victory is a real satisfaction because the riders were involved and respected the instructions and the message that had been given. It was a great day, and now the Tour de France has only just begun.”
Didier Rous, the Sports Manager, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of unity and perseverance. “We reminded them that although we had suffered in the early stages, we had to keep looking ahead because the race was still long and the breakaways at the start of the Grand Tours often had a chance of going all the way. Kévin won solo with style but his victory was a collective one.”
The victory in Bologna was not just a personal achievement for Vauquelin but also a significant milestone for Team Arkea-B&B Hotels. General Manager Emmanuel Hubert expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishment, highlighting the collective effort that led to this historic win. “Thanks to Kévin Vauquelin, a young rider in the making, the ARKEA-B&B HOTELS team has won its first stage in the Tour de France, and quite simply in a Grand Tour.”
As the dust settles on this thrilling stage, the team is already looking ahead, with more challenges and opportunities on the horizon. For now, though, they can bask in the glory of a hard-fought and well-deserved victory in Bologna, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and memorable Tour de France.
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