French cyclist Baptiste Vadic claimed a breakthrough victory at the Tour d’Istanbul on Sunday, September 6, securing the general classification title alongside two stage wins for the TotalEnergies team. According to regional reports, the 24-year-old sealed his triumph by winning the concluding individual time trial, marking his first victory on a professional race after overcoming surgery for cardiac arrhythmia earlier in the season.
A Breakthrough Performance on the Professional Circuit
For Baptiste Vadic, the week in Turkey represented a career-defining moment. The 24-year-old rider, who joined the Vendée-based TotalEnergies squad in 2024 after coming through the ranks at Creuse Oxygène, admitted he did not expect such a dominant outcome. Speaking to regional broadcasters, Vadic confessed that the achievement felt surreal, noting that he had never previously won a professional stage before this event.
Vadic laid the foundation for his overall victory early in the week by winning the opening stage on Thursday. That initial success shifted the team’s tactical approach, giving the rider the full backing of his roster for the remainder of the race. Throughout the stages, the French outfit controlled the pace to defend the leader’s jersey.
Sealing the Title Against the Clock
The decisive test arrived on the final day with a 7.5-kilometer individual time trial. Vadic delivered a commanding performance against the clock, navigating the course faster than any of his rivals to punctuate his week in style. He crossed the line six seconds ahead of his teammate and compatriot Pierre Thierry, cementing both his stage victory and the general classification.
“I really did a great time trial, so that puts me in a good place mentally for what’s next,” Vadic said regarding his final-day effort. The rider acknowledged that the collective support from TotalEnergies proved vital once he took control of the standings.
Overcoming Adversity Earlier in the Year
The triumph carries extra significance given the hurdles Vadic faced earlier in the racing calendar. In May, the Creuse-born athlete underwent surgery to correct cardiac arrhythmia issues. Returning to competition required careful physical management, making his consistency in Turkey all the more remarkable.
Vadic arrived at the Tour d’Istanbul with unfinished business. During the previous edition of the race, he secured second place overall, narrowly missing the top step of the podium. By converting that prior experience into a victory, he validates his progression within the professional peloton.
What Comes Next for the TotalEnergies Rider
With his first professional stage race victory secured, Vadic enters the final stretch of the season seeking to extend his momentum. Having demonstrated versatility across both climbing terrain and short individual time trials, he remains focused on finishing the autumn calendar strongly while awaiting a professional contract for next season.
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