Bianchi celebrates memorable Tour de France victory

The amazing home crowds cheering on the road of the historical Tour de France Grand Depart from Italy had one extra reason to celebrate on Sunday, June 30th.

On the second stage of the 2024 Grande Boucle, from Cesenatico to Bologna, young French climber Kevin Vauquelin from Team Arkea-B&B Hotels achieved the most significant victory of his career on his Bianchi Oltre RC, the aero model of the Reparto Corse Bianchi range equipped to the French World Tour team.

23-year-old Vauquelin, one of the rising talents in international cycling, secured his victory on the tough gradients towards the Sanctuary of San Luca after joining an 11-man breakaway that formed in the early kilometers from Cesenatico. He was accompanied by his teammate Cristian Rodriguez, who rode the Specialissima RC to fourth place on the day.

A VICTORY TO REMEMBER

In a challenging stage featuring long flat sections punctuated by steep climbs, Vauquelin and Rodriguez executed a flawless tactical plan. The young Frenchman sealed his victory on the second ascent towards the Sanctuary of San Luca in Bologna.

Bologna showcased Vauquelin’s abilities as a versatile athlete, strong both uphill and against the clock, and highlighted the successful partnership between Bianchi and Arkea-B&B Hotels, which began in 2023 and has already achieved several significant results this year. In addition to six victories, notable second places were secured by Luca Mozzato at the Tour of Flanders, and by Vauquelin himself at the Flèche Wallonne.

Bianchi proudly made its mark in the historic Italian Grand Depart of the Tour de France, celebrated with a special jersey inspired by Bianchi’s iconic white-celeste history at the team’s presentation at Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence on June 27th.

The Grande Boucle has just begun, and Arkea-B&B Hotels and Bianchi will have more opportunities to chase success: besides Vauquelin, the team also counts on the sprints of Arnaud Demare and the skills of riders like Luca Mozzato and Clement Champoussin.

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