Alex was initially part of a nine-rider group, alongside teammate Alastair MacKellar, that formed early on the stage, and the EF Education-EasyPost pair contributed to the move before Alex kicked clear with a daring attack 28.5km from the finish. 

The Côte de Rousset proved to be the perfect launchpad for Alex as he not only distanced his remaining breakaway companions but solidified his position as the leader on the road. 

Cresting the top of the climb with a minute over the next rider, Alex maintained and even managed to extend his lead before the final uphill section, but with the GC riders breathing down his neck, Alex had to fully commit with his gutsy attack.

Coming into the final 1,500m, the peloton was closing, but Alex hung on to take a memorable win for him and his EF Education-EasyPost teammates, with the victory also putting Alex into the leader’s jersey. After a super consistent spring campaign, this was the perfect way for Alex and the team to start their build-up towards next month's Tour de France.

An emotional and jubilant Alex was hugged by his teammates at the finish after winning by a clear 32 seconds over the chase group.

“It’s unbelievable. I don’t think I’ve realized it already. I only believed it was done with 500m to go. I don’t know what to say. It’s crazy. I looked at this stage before, and I had amazing legs. I didn’t have the confidence at the start because I had food poisoning, but I hoped and expected, and I came here well prepared. All the stars aligned for me today,” Alex said at the finish.

“I’m close to home, and my family is here. It’s unbelievable. This morning my girlfriend put a sticker of my cat on my bike. Maybe she already knew I’d win. I can’t describe the feeling just yet. It’s one hour from my home. I hope I can carry this form into the Tour de France and into July,” he added. Congrats to Alex on this monumental win, and we can’t wait to see you in yellow on stage 2.