Louis Rouland enters top ten of stage 2
On stage 2 of the Circuit des Ardennes, in Hardoncelle, Louis Rouland took 10th place after a final climb of 1.7km at 5.9%.
“It was another nervous stage, with wind, winding roads and that punchy finish. I’m satisfied with my result. Maybe I could have done better and I lacked freshness after sensing an opportunity in the final. But that’s the way it is. The form is there, that’s important. Tomorrow will be another hilly stage, with longer climbs that should suit me better.”
“Louis was very strong today. He anticipated on the last lap. That probably cost him a better place at the finish and a smaller gap in the overall classification. But that’s the way it is. He’s learning. The team did a very good job. It was an apocalyptic day with rain, wind and mud. The level is very high. The guys were in good positions all day and were able to avoid the traps. I’m pleased with the way they behaved. When things go like that, it’s motivating for the rest of the race and we hope to do better in the last two stages.”