Hugo Houle has just written the most prestigious chapter in the history of Quebec cycling.
Posted at 11:05 a.m.
Updated at 11:14 a.m.
The color bearer of Israel-Premier Tech won the 16e stage of the Tour de France, a rugged 178.5 km course between Carcassonne and Foix, at the end of a long breakaway. Houle crossed the Mur de Péguère in the lead, the last mountainous obstacle, and never looked back until the wire.
PHOTO CHRISTIAN HARTMANN, REUTERS
Hugo Houle
He thus confirms his splendid form, after his 3e place at the 13e stage.
He is the first Canadian to win a stage of the Grande Bouche since Steve Bauer, who won the opening stage in 1988. Bauer today is the sporting director of Israel-Premier Tech.
Even more incredible: he is accompanied on the podium by his teammate and compatriot Michael Woods, ultimately 3e.
PHOTO GONZALO FUENTES, FRANCE-PRESSE AGENCY
Michael Woods and Hugo Houle
Houle had never won a race before in the World Tour. A victory he hoped for more than anything, he had told The Pressto dedicate it to his brother Pierrik, who died tragically on December 21, 2012.