"I was almost in tears... Finishing ahead of Tom Pidcock and Remco Evenepoel" - Kevin Vauquelin runner-up at La Fleche Wallonne for second year in a row

For the second year in a row, Kevin Vauquelin has claimed a very impressive 2nd at La Fleche Wallonne in 2025. Despite the growing familiarity with the Mur de Huy, the Frenchman looked completely stunned as his crossed the finish first of the mortals, behind only the world champion Tadej Pogacar.

"I was almost in tears. I’ve been through some tough times lately — especially at the Amstel and in other races where I just couldn’t find my form," reflects an emotional Vauquelin in his post-race interview afterwards, on the same day as he team boss at Arkéa - B&B Hotels, Emannuel Hubert revealed the precarious future of the French outfit and therefore the career's of the riders involved.

With Vauquelin's performance however, there is some much needed positivity in the camp. "Given the field today, a top 10 would’ve already been amazing. And now, to repeat what I did last year — finishing behind none other than Tadej Pogacar, ahead of Tom Pidcock and Remco Evenepoel… Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for much more," he beams. "I’m blown away."

"I was well positioned at the base of the climb, and I really focused on holding my place. Even by the bottom of the descent, we’d already opened up a bit of a gap. I fought hard," continues the 23-year-old's recap. "I saw Tadej go very early and paced myself. Then I saw Remco crack, and Ben Healy too. That’s when I told myself: ‘Now’s the time — go for it. This isn’t like last year, don’t wait.’"