“I think the team needed it” – Gaudu shows return to form on Vuelta a Espana stage 2

David Gaudu has endured a turbulent 2025 season, but his performance on stage 2 of the Vuelta a España offered a much-needed boost. The Frenchman placed third behind Jonas Vingegaard and Giulio Ciccone, delivering his most promising result of the year. For a rider who has struggled with repeated crashes and setbacks, Sunday’s result was a reminder of his ability to contend at the highest level. Yet the day was also marked by misfortune, as his Groupama – FDJ teammate Guillaume Martin-Guyonnet was forced out following a violent crash caused by treacherous weather conditions.

Gaudu admitted afterwards that his confidence was shaken by the hazardous stage. "It really wasn't a given, I was paralyzed all day," he told Cyclism’Actu. "I know the roads around here a bit, we're not very far from home. I know when it rains, it's a disaster, it's slippery. I was afraid of reliving the episodes I experienced in the Dauphiné, in the Giro. So, I said, 'Okay, I'll bet on staying last, and we'll see,' and in the end, it worked out."

His caution proved justified, as crashes punctuated the stage, including the one that ended Martin-Guyonnet’s race. "It sucks to lose Guillaume in a crash. It's not the last crash this year, but... We wanted to get a result for Guillaume, but I didn't believe it until we turned right, I didn't feel good. And in the end, in the end, it was okay, so I'm really happy."

The Breton rider highlighted just how brutal the pace was on the final climb. "There were no attacks, but it's just that you can't attack when you're going up to 500 watts at more than 30 per hour. To gain even 2 meters, you have to ride at 40. And riding at 600 watts is impossible." Against such numbers, staying in the front group was an achievement in itself, and Gaudu was able to follow the strongest until the finish.

His podium finish was not just personal redemption but also a morale boost for Groupama–FDJ. "Frankly, I'm happy, it's cool, it's a good start to the Vuelta, I think the team needed it. It feels good, you have to manage to get off to a good start all the time in the first few days. There are still 18 stages left, we'll stay focused. Tomorrow, there's Thibaut (Gruel) who can do something at the finish, so we'll concentrate and try to do the best thing possible until the end."