Kévin Vauquelin finished fifth in the individual time trial during stage 5 of the Tour de France, just 49 seconds behind the stage winner. He expressed joy despite physical exhaustion, noting the emotional weight of competing in his home region. Vauquelin climbed in the overall standings, securing a podium position, with only two riders within a minute of the new leader. His strong performance followed victories in previous time trials and he has a history of success in junior and U23 ITT events.
"I had no legs left, but still had heart and lungs, I'm over the moon," was the reaction from the young French rider at the finish line when he spoke to France TV, the crowd cheering loudly for a homegrown contender.
"It's the emotion that takes over, a time trial, on my home turf, with a distinctive jersey, it was incredible," he said after his ride in a team statement.
Vauquelin grew up in Bayeux, just 30 kilometres from Caen, where the start ramp and the finish line were located for the stage.
He won both the French junior and U23 ITT titles before signing as a pro in 2022 with Arkéa-B&B Hotels.
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