His first event as a professional was a small stage race , the Tour de l'Ouest ( Tour of the West ) . He won two stages and finished 18th overall - a major achievement for a new pro who would normally be expected to be a domestique to the team 's leader . His first event as a professional was a small stage race , the Tour de l'Ouest in which he won two stages and finished 18th - a major achievement for a new pro who would normally be expected to act as a domestique to the team 's leader .