Adam Smith makes statement in first pro stage race

Winnipeg’s Adam Smith didn’t quite know what to expect heading into Vuelta a Asturias. But he sure delivered a super-impressive ride.

On April 23, the 19-year-old was in Spain, lining up for his first pro stage race, racing with French Conti squad AVC Aix Provence Dole. His team is a long-running French outfit—dating back to 1925. In 2025, it stepped up from club level to Continental status. It also has several notable alum, most recently Visma-Lease a Bike’s Christopher Laporte.

The field was full of some big names–including multiple Tour de France stage winner Nairo Quintana. In fact, the Movistar rider would go on to take the overall.

By the end of four demanding days across northern Spain, Smith had more than held his own.
He finished 12th overall, narrowly missing the top-10 on GC on the final day. He opened his race with a standout ride on Stage 1 from Oviedo to Benia de Onís. There, he placed fifth after animating the breakaway.

Best laid plans

“Going into stage one, the plan was to try to get into the breakaway with one or as many of us from our team as possible,” Smith said. “In the end we got myself and two other teammates in, which was really good.”

As the race unfolded over the 155-km opening stage, the move began to look increasingly dangerous.

“The gap was pretty big, maybe five minutes at one point,” he said. “I was feeling really, really strong, especially on the climbs closer to the end.”

The breakaway thinned late, leaving just five riders inside the final 10 km, including Smith and a teammate. From there, roles became clear.

“The plan was for me to try to attack a bit more, helping him save energy, but also having the opportunity to try to get away,” Smith said. “I didn’t get away, but I attacked in the final and kind of helped as a lead-out for my teammate.”

That teammate, Gabriel Layrac, went on to take the stage win. It was a result Smith called “absolutely amazing,” and one that set the tone for the week.

No expectations at start

Smith said he came into the race with few expectations, given the step up.

“I didn’t really know what to expect,” he said. “It’s my first pro stage race, so I didn’t have anything to compare with.”
But he knew he had some good fitness, and was stoked for the challenge.

“I knew I was strong. I’ve been progressing pretty steadily over the past couple years, and especially recently I’ve been feeling pretty good in the races. Especially in the…