'I've been chasing it for so long' - Jake Stewart claims first career win on opening stage of Tour de l'Ain

Jake Stewart claimed his first win as a professional as the rising British star sprinted to victory at the opening stage of the 2022 Tour de l'Ain. The 22-year-old has produced a series of impressive performances since stepping up to the World Tour at the end of 2020, but a senior victory had thus far eluded him. Ad It appeared that Stewart may again be disappointed as the peloton approached the finish in Val-Revermont as Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl's Remi Cavagna burst away from the bunch in trademark style inside the final kilometre.

Deutschland TourCavendish and Froome headline strong field for Deutschland Tour18/08/2021 AT 11:47 But the Frenchman was reeled in, allowing Stewart to produce a timely last kick to deny Romain Cardis (St Michel-Auber93) and take stage victory. It proved an emotional moment for the young sprinter, who relocated to France in late 2018 to chase his dreams on the road after a promising junior career on the track. «Everyone has sacrificed so much for me to be here,» Stewart said after securing the leader's gold jersey at the three-stage race in eastern France.

«Just to finally get the win — I've been chasing it for so long. »It just feels like a massive weight off my shoulders. It's emotional.