16 September 2022

Tour du Luxembourg (CLM), Kevin Vauquelin 2nd in the time trial and provisional overall classification

Kevin Vauquelin has done a superb time trial between Remich and Remich. He takes the 2nd place of the stage, which makes him 2nd in the overall classification of the race on the eve of the finish. Thibault Guernalec also finished in 4th place.

 

Photo GettyImages

Kévin Vauquelin

On the line

“I had to change my rear wheel at the start of this stage because of a flint that was embedded in my hose. It’s always good to have a little bit of pressure before a time trial, so that you are immediately in it. Charly, the mechanic on the start area, did a great job, changing my wheel quickly, otherwise I would have had a puncture during the race. I thank him. I got scared afterwards on the first descent. I turned wrong on the wet road, went straight and went towards the kerb. I pass within three centimetres of it. It’s one of my biggest scares in time trials. I think that this loss, considering what separates me from the winner on the line, counted, but that’s how it is, it’s part of the race. I had a great finish, managing my race well. I was able to finish very strong and that’s what I want to remember. I am second overall tonight, there is one more stage tomorrow, it will be a hard race. I am in a position to chase and not to be chased. I am used to second places at the moment in stage races. I hope I have learned from my recent mistakes in this kind of races. We will see tomorrow anyway”. 

Thibault Guernalec

“I am satisfied with this time trial with two nice bumps. It was quite a demanding course with nice percentages. Unfortunately I started in the rain, so the descents were very wet. I think it cost me third place because of the time I conceded at the finish. Afterwards, I have no regrets. I did a very clean time. If I could do one like that every time, I would sign up right away. It’s a good time, a good reference for the future”.

Roger Tréhin, Sport-Director

The debrief

“The time trial of this Tour of Luxembourg has changed the general classification. Kevin Vauquelin, neo-professional, is 2nd of this stage, ahead of many confirmed riders. This evening, he is also 2nd of the provisional overall classification of this one week stage race before a last day tomorrow that looks difficult. I would also like to underline the good performance of Thibault Guernalec, 4th, for his comeback race after his crash during the Vuelta Ciclista a España. Two riders in the top 5 of a time trial is a great performance for our team and a return on investment for the work we do to perform in this discipline.

Riders

Kévin Vauquelin
Thibault Guernalec