“Guess it was good I re-signed Alex last week” - Jonathan Vaughters jokes EF deal already looks inspired after Baudin’s Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes stunner

Alex Baudin’s Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes breakthrough came with perfect timing for EF Education-EasyPost.

The Frenchman delivered a superb solo victory on stage 1, attacking from the breakaway on the Cote de Rousset before holding off the reduced peloton to win in Saint-Ismier. It gave Baudin the opening stage, the first yellow jersey of the race and the biggest victory of his career.

It also gave EF team boss Jonathan Vaughters a chance to enjoy the moment online.

“Guess it was good I re-signed Alex last week,” Vaughters wrote on X after Baudin’s victory.

Baudin’s win was already a major reward for EF after a day in which the American squad placed riders in the early break and then watched the 24-year-old French talent finish the job alone. For Vaughters, the timing of the recent contract decision understandably made the result feel that much sweeter.

One fan replied to his post by joking that the comment alone should earn Baudin a five per cent salary increase. Vaughters’ response was short and sweet: “Agreed.”

The exchange added a lighter touch to a day that had already changed the complexion of the EF Education - EasyPost's week in France. Baudin did not only take the stage win, but also moved into the first Maillot Jaune of the race and collected the other early classification rewards such as the King of the Mountains and points jersey, after a full day on the attack.

For EF, the challenge now shifts from seizing the moment to defending it. Baudin began stage 2 in the race lead, with his team immediately handed responsibility on the longest day of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

If Vaughters’ timing in re-signing him looked good after stage 1, the next question is how long Baudin and EF can keep that inspired week rolling.