David Gaudu survives the chaos
# David Gaudu Navigates Turbulence in Historic Paris–Nice Stage
Wednesday’s fourth stage of Paris–Nice, a dramatic journey from Bourges to Uchon, will be remembered for its chaotic conditions, characterized by fierce crosswinds and relentless rain. Not only did the weather play a significant role, but the race ignited from the very start, leaving no room for respite over the grueling 195 kilometers.
David Gaudu’s performance was commendable as he finished eighth, showcasing resilience throughout the demanding climbs. Initially supported by teammates Johan Jacobs and Clément Russo, Gaudu was able to navigate the turbulent early phase of the race. He now sits fifth overall in the standings. “I was lucky to have two guardian angels,” Gaudu noted, referring to his teammates who helped position him at the front during the tumultuous start. “They positioned me in the first echelon, and after that it was survival all day long.”
The stage, which was expected to culminate in explosive action towards Uchon, turned chaotic much sooner than anticipated. Stéphane Goubert, part of Gaudu’s support team, explained, “We knew there was a risk from kilometre zero… It was something we were attentive about, but not everyone expected it to happen straight away.” Early echelons formed, and the harsh weather only heightened the stakes for the cyclists.
A fierce rivalry unfolded for over 100 kilometers, with a tight gap between the leading groups that hovered around one minute. However, the dynamics shifted when Gaudu lost Russo due to a crash. Thankfully, Jacobs continued to support Gaudu until the day’s first climb. “From there, David tried to manage things as best as possible given the weather conditions and the competition,” Goubert remarked.
The race took a dramatic turn when the leader, Juan Ayuso, and several front group riders crashed, forcing Gaudu to let a group of five break away, which included four members from Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe and Jonas Vingegaard, who would go on to win the stage. Despite being initially distanced, Gaudu managed to hold onto the second group over the penultimate climb.
As they approached the challenging ascent to Uchon, Gaudu found himself nearly three minutes behind the leaders. The steep final 1,800 meters, averaging over 10%, tested every ounce of energy he had left. “When you hit gradients like that after a 200-kilometre day raced full gas, you’re not playing anymore,” said Goubert, who noted the difficulty of the final climb.
Ultimately, Gaudu crossed the finish line, securing eighth place, “It’s probably among the three worst days I’ve experienced on the bike,” he admitted. Despite feeling he had enough energy for the climb, he acknowledged he, like others, was exhausted by the end. “We’ll need to recover because this stage will leave its mark. Paris–Nice is a ruthless race, we know that,” he reflected.
With the stage complete, Gaudu is currently positioned fifth overall, five minutes and two seconds behind leader Vingegaard. As he looks ahead to the next leg of this challenging “Race to the Sun,” he remains cautious. “Tomorrow another Classic-style stage awaits. We have to stay cautious,” he concluded.
“There aren’t many days like this,” Goubert added, highlighting the significance of the stage. “From our side, there are plenty of positives… but today we have to be very satisfied with the day.” As the race unfolds, both the team and Gaudu will need to harness that satisfaction as they confront the challenges ahead.
