Jake Stewart: "This victory is for all the people who have supported and accompanied me throughout my journey"

Jake Stewart won the first stage of the Tour de l'Ain, making it his first professional victory. He beat Romain Cardis and Stan Van Tricht in the sprint to secure the gold.

The rider is over the moon with his performance, but he did not forget to thank those who always believed in him. “I want to thank those who have helped me all these years. Succeeding in finally obtaining this victory behind which I have been chasing for a long time it's a big weight off my shoulders,” said Stewart.

Fabian Lienhard encountered a puncture which left him behind the peloton; otherwise, it was a good day for the team .“The team did an amazing job. We came here with a plan. We've been saying for a while that the first stage of the Tour de l'Ain was perfect for me. Everyone held their place. Clément did a great job all day, then I still had Seb, Rudy, and Lars in the final. We, unfortunately, lost Fabian to a puncture, but we never gave up. I'm so thankful to everyone on the team today,” said Stewart.

Stewart is himself surprised and overwhelmed with his performance as he did not expect a stage victory in the opening stage of the tour. “It's moving for me. I didn't expect to be here this week with such legs. This victory is for all the people who have supported and accompanied me throughout my journey. It's incredible,” concluded Stewart. He will start the second stage with yellow jersey on his shoulder.