Baudin confident of defending yellow jersey in home mountain stage

French cyclist Alex Baudin is determined to hold onto his yellow jersey as the Tour de Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes enters its first mountain stage this Friday. The upcoming leg of the race holds particular significance for Baudin, as it traverses his home region and includes a finish in Crest-Voland, a place he knows well.

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I hope to have fiery legs tomorrow to defend this jersey! Besides, I'll be racing at home. We'll pass through Albertville, and I know the finish line in Crest-Voland well. There will be a lot of people cheering me on along the road, and I'll give it my all.

"I hope to have fiery legs tomorrow to defend this jersey!" Baudin stated after the fifth stage. "Besides, I'll be racing at home. We'll pass through Albertville, and I know the finish line in Crest-Voland well. There will be a lot of people cheering me on along the road, and I'll give it my all."

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The final climb is not very long, less than twenty minutes. It's the type of effort that I like.

Baudin anticipates the final climb, which he described as less than twenty minutes long, as an effort he enjoys. He expressed optimism about his chances, believing that significant time gaps may not emerge among the main contenders on this stage. "I'll have to suffer and see what happens. If my legs respond well, there's a possibility I can keep the jersey," he said.

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I'll have to suffer and see what happens. If my legs respond well, there's a possibility I can keep the jersey.

While acknowledging the potential for a tough fight, Baudin believes the stage will mark the beginning of the serious battle for the overall classification. His confidence stems from his familiarity with the terrain and the expected support from local crowds.

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I think tomorrow there won't be big differences between the favorites, but the fight for the general classification will begin.