Kevin Vermaerke sprinted to fourth on Tour Auvergne’s opening day, giving UAE Team Emirates‑XRG a solid start to the French stage race. The first stage covered 146km from Vizille to Saint‑Ismier and featured five classified climbs. French rider Alex Baudin (EF Education‑EasyPost) claimed the win after breaking away on the Côte de Rousset, holding off the peloton in the final kilometres. Behind Baudin, the race settled into a tactical battle among the favourites. Isaac Del Toro crossed the line safely alongside rivals Paul Seixas, Juan Ayuso and Matteo Jorgenson, remaining level on time with the main general‑classification contenders.
Vermaerke’s fourth place fuels team optimism
Vermaerke stayed near the front as the peloton split on the closing climbs, then launched an uphill sprint from the reduced group to finish fourth. His effort continued a consistent run of performances that support the team’s ambitions for the week ahead.
“I think it was a good stage for us overall. Isaac felt good and I was feeling strong too, so we decided to try something in the final. We were in a strong position on the last climb and I took advantage of a moment where the race stalled so I jumped. It was a good safe stage one – a nice way to get back into the racing after a break. I think maybe some people expected fireworks on the last climb but it didn’t really pan out like that. There are some pretty tough stages coming up in the week ahead and I think we’re in good shape for them.” — Kevin Vermaerke, Rider
The top‑five results after stage 1 were: 1. Alex Baudin (EF Education‑First) 3:43:58, 2. Ramses Debruyne (Alpecin‑Premier Tech) +32, 3. Leo Biseiaux (Decathlon CMA CGM) s.t., 4. Kevin Vermaerke (UAE Team Emirates‑XRG) s.t., 5. (not listed). The American’s placement keeps the squad well‑placed as the race moves into more challenging terrain. With the first day behind them, the team will look to build on the safe finish and aim for stronger results on the upcoming climbs. The stage showed that both Vermaerke and Del Toro are in good form, setting a positive tone for the rest of the Tour Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the first stage of the Tour Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes? French rider Alex Baudin (EF Education‑EasyPost) won the opening 146km stage from Vizille to Saint‑Ismier, breaking away on the Côte de Rousset and holding off the peloton.
How did Kevin Vermaerke finish the opening stage? Kevin Vermaerke sprinted to fourth place, staying near the front on the final climbs and launching an uphill sprint from the reduced group.
What was Isaac Del Toro’s result on stage 1? Isaac Del Toro crossed the line safely alongside the favourites, remaining level on time with the main general‑classification contenders.
What are the upcoming challenges for UAE Team Emirates‑XRG in the Tour Auvergne? The team will face tougher climbs in the coming days, aiming to build on the safe start and target stronger results as the race moves into more demanding terrain.
