Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates) finished 12th on the opening stage of the Tour Auvergne – Rhône-Alpes, crossing the line 44 seconds behind stage winner Alex Baudin on the 146.2-kilometer route from Vizille to Saint-Ismier.

Baudin Claims Opening Victory

Alex Baudin secured the stage win with a decisive attack on the final climb, distancing himself from the peloton to take both the stage victory and the first leader’s jersey of the eight-day race. The Frenchman crossed the finish line with a 32-second advantage over the chasing group.

Sprint for Second Place

Behind Baudin, Ramses Debruyne won the sprint for second place from the main chasing group. The Belgian’s strong finish earned him a podium spot on the opening day of the 2.UWT classified race.

Del Toro’s Stage Performance

The Mexican rider found himself in the second chasing group during the finale, unable to match the pace set by Baudin’s late attack. Del Toro’s 12th place finish puts him within striking distance of the overall contenders as the race heads into its remaining seven stages.

With Baudin now wearing the leader’s jersey, the Tour Auvergne – Rhône-Alpes continues with seven more stages offering opportunities for riders like del Toro to move up the general classification standings.