Auvergne Rhone Alpes: winning escape by Baudin

Alex Baudin won the first stage of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, formerly the Critérium du Dauphiné, from Vizille to Saint Ismier, 146.2 km.

The stage featured five mountain climbs, the last less than 20 km from the finish. Matthew Riccitello dropped out after a few kilometers, while among the first to drop back were Joao Almeida and Wout Van Aert.

Baudin managed to break away from his breakaway companions, with George Bennett the last to give up, maintaining a comfortable lead over the group of overall victory favorites until the finish. Behind the Frenchman from EF, his third professional victory, was a small group that had gained an advantage on the descent, led by Ramses Debruyne of Alpecin ahead of Leo Bisiaux of Decathlon. Oscar Onley and Kevin Vauquelin also gained a few seconds.

The group follows with Del Toro, Seixas, and Jorgenson. Baudin is the first overall leader.

Order of arrival:

1 Baudin Alex EF Education - EasyPost 3:43:58

2 Debruyne Ramses Alpecin - Premier Tec 0:32

3 Bisiaux Léo Decathlon CMA CGM Team ,,

4 Vermaerke Kevin UAE Team Emirates - XRG ,,

5 Molard Rudy Groupama - FDJ United,,

6 Tulett Ben Team Visma | Lease a Bike,,

7 Plapp Luke Team Jayco AlUla,,

8 Vauquelin Kévin Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe ,,

9 Tuckwell Luke Netcompany INEOS,,

10 Onley Oscar Netcompany INEOS,,

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