“I’ve come back better than I thought” - Ben Healy sounds a warning as he returns to racing from injury

Ben Healy’s return to racing gave EF Education-EasyPost plenty of reason for optimism on stage 1 of the Tour Auvergne Rhône-Alpes 2026. Two months after ending his Itzulia with injury, the Irishman was back in the bunch and played an active role in a plan that delivered victory for teammate Alex Baudin, the new race leader.

Healy was among the most aggressive riders from the gun, throwing himself into the fight to make the day’s break. The team’s work paid off as they placed two riders up the road, including Baudin, the new yellow jersey, a scenario Healy himself called ideal.

“We went full gas for the break and we believed it could stick,” the EF Education-EasyPost rider told Cycling Pro Net. “Everyone was excited at the start and we managed to get two up there with Alex as well, which is a perfect situation.”

The American squad’s move was no improvisation. According to Healy, the objective was set before the start and the execution matched the script. “This was the plan from the beginning and it was executed perfectly,” he said.

Beyond the collective success, the day also let Healy gauge his condition first-hand after a long spell without racing. Before the stage he had admitted he needed time to find the pace, although his sensations ended up more positive than he anticipated.

“Honestly, better than I thought,” he said when assessing his performance.

The Irishman acknowledged he started the stage strongly before suffering on one of the climbs, but he was convinced he still has room to grow as the week goes on. “I had a good start and then I faded on this climb, but yes, there are definitely good breakaway days ahead for me". Stage 2 is a particularly interesting day, although the American team might prioritize defending the yellow jersey.

Baudin’s victory and the yellow jersey claimed by the Frenchman capped a perfect day for EF Education-EasyPost. With the plan delivered and the team leading the general classification, Healy admitted there would also be room to enjoy the moment.

“Yes, exactly, for sure,” he concluded with a smile when asked about a possible post-stage celebration.