"First test of my season on such steep slopes, and it is conclusive" - David Gaudu filled with confidence after stunning stage 3 win at Tour of Oman 2025

2025 looks set to be a big season in the career of David Gaudu. If the first summit finish test is anything to go by, it looks like it could also be a very good season for the Frenchman, as he stormed to a stunning victory on stage 3 of the 2025 Tour of Oman ahead of Adam Yates, taking the general classification lead in the process.

"This is the first test of my season on such steep slopes, and it is conclusive. Even if it's not a 20-minute climb, it's still a good 10 minutes, and when you're a general classification rider you have to be strong on this type of effort," reflected a beaming Gaudu in his post-stage interview. "It was a great battle with Adam Yates, he was very strong. I had to try several times before I managed to let him go. And in the end he came back again, it was decided in the final straight in a sprint. So there you go, I'm really happy to have been able to beat him, especially after the work the team has been doing since the first day."

That work from his teammates is certainly not lost on Gaudu either. " All day, Enzo Paleni protected us from the wind, we arrived at the foot in good positions thanks to everyone. We know how to impose ourselves, we show that we are there," he explains. "Tom Donnenwirth took a good fall, and yet today he is still there. He does not have many years in cycling, but it shows that he is a guy who has bravery. Honestly, it is nice to be able to finish the job after all that they have been able to show."

Gaudu is also keen to point out though, that with just 5 seconds separating himself and Yates in the GC, it's not over yet. "Tomorrow (Tuesday) should be calmer, we will rely on the sprinters' teams to help us control the race. We are already focused on Wednesday and Green Mountain, because there is a general to go for... and why not take a second stage victory," he concludes with optimism.