Tuckwell honours sister with stunning second place at Dauphiné

Australian cyclist Luke Tuckwell has achieved a career-defining second-place finish at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, marking a significant arrival on the World Tour stage. The 21-year-old from Orange, New South Wales, showcased exceptional grit and determination throughout the demanding week-long race.

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As a neo-pro, man, I could never expect this. I don't think I have [realised what I have achieved this week] actually. Not at all. I think it'll take some time to sink in.

Tuckwell's performance was deeply personal, as he dedicated his achievements, particularly securing the leader's jersey on the sixth stage, to his younger sister, Antonia. She passed away in September last year after a two-and-a-half-year struggle with a chronic illness. "All day I was thinking of my little sister who died in September last year. I really wanted to do it for her today," Tuckwell shared, emphasizing the emotional drive behind his efforts.

On the challenging final stage, Tuckwell faced immense pressure. After his teammate Maxim Van Gils secured the stage win and Tuckwell entered the day with a lead, UAE Team Emirates set a blistering pace. As Isaac del Toro of UAE Team Emirates-XRG attacked with 8 kilometers remaining, Tuckwell appeared to struggle. However, with crucial support from Van Gils, Tuckwell focused on managing his effort, limiting his time losses and holding onto second overall despite Lidl-Trek's Juan Ayuso moving up to finish second on the stage.

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To have this now in the biggest one week stage race is … I don't really quite believe it. All day I was thinking of my little sister who died in September last year. I really wanted to do it for her today. Those last few kilometres I was really suffering but really thinking of her so yeah, this yellow jersey is in honour of her.

"I just really, from the bottom, knew what pace I had to ride," Tuckwell explained. "Man, Maxim saved me there. Really, I think without Maxim, I would have been struggling so much." This performance not only earns Tuckwell his first major World Tour podium but also firmly establishes him as a rider to watch in the elite ranks of professional cycling.

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I just really, from the bottom, knew what pace I had to ride. Man, Maxim saved me there. Really, I think without Maxim, I would have been struggling so much.