“It’s the kind of day we needed" - David Gaudu back into GC contention at 2024 Vuelta a Espana after breakaway raid on stage 9

After a frantic stage 9 of the 2024 Vuelta a Espana, the general classification standings were completely re-written. Among the big movers, was Groupama - FDJ leader, David Gaudu.

Getting himself into the day's early breakaway, Gaudu was among the strongest and could for a while at least, dream of a stage win. When Adam Yates attacked however, the Frenchman simply had no answer. Whilst Yates soloed to the stage win, Gaudu was eventually caught by the Red Jersey Ben O'Connor and co, but nevertheless, saw himself launch up the general classification standings and into the top 10.

“I feel like I’m not 100% and that I’m missing a little something, but I still have legs that can allow me to have fun on this kind of stage,” commented Gaudu afterwards to Groupama-FDJ's official website. “It’s the kind of day we needed to do, and it went very well. If I had stayed with the favourites, I don’t think I would have been able to finish with them. In the end, we didn’t lose any time on GC and we even made up some time from some others who blew up.”

“Yates was stronger, there is nothing to say about it,” adds Groupama - FDJ's Thierry Bricaud. “We must not lose sight that the goal initially was to get this lead in order to avoid the tough efforts of the favourites. That’s what happened, even if the scenario could lead us to think that we could have enjoyed an even better outcome. He still gets into the top 10, it’s still a good day for the team, and especially for him. It’s a good sign for the rest of the Vuelta, and we’re only at the end of the first week.”

With a rest day this Monday, Gaudu also now gets to rest up after a mammoth effort. “It will be a rest day for the riders because they have the plane tonight,” Bricaud concluded. “This won’t be so true for the staff, who have to drive 400 kilometres tonight and 600 tomorrow.”