Rudy Molard Makes it to Breakaway but Unable to Compete for Stage Win in Vuelta a España

Stage 15 of the Vuelta a España proved to be a fast and challenging day for the riders, with the day’s breakaway only forming halfway through the race. Rudy Molard of Groupama-FDJ fought hard and managed to join the breakaway, but was unable to compete for the stage win in the final.

“It wasn’t easy at all today,” said Benoît Vaugrenard of Groupama-FDJ. “You needed to be very, very strong just to be in front.” Molard’s persistence and strength in joining the breakaway was admirable, especially considering he had recently recovered from a crash. Vaugrenard commended Molard, stating, “He sets an example for the youngsters.”

The breakaway, which included riders such as Remco Evenepoel and Rui Costa, was given little space by the peloton. Molard hung on for a few minutes, but was eventually forced to let his breakaway companions go. He was caught by the bunch and crossed the finish line almost five minutes after the stage winner, Rui Costa.

Despite the challenging race, all the riders from Groupama-FDJ completed the fifteenth stage. Lenny Martinez, who lost time and dropped one spot in the general classification, saw this as a constructive experience for the future. Vaugrenard expressed the team’s determination to continue fighting for a stage win in the upcoming week, as breakaways will likely play a role in the race.

With a much-needed rest day on the horizon, the Vuelta riders can recuperate before continuing the race.