The first stage of the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var took place today, between Biot and Gourdon (188km).
The first stage of the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var was a wonderful start. The final climb to Gourdon (7.8 km at 4.1%) promised a showdown between the favorites of this race. This battle did take place, and the Dutchman Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo) emerged victorious.
A breakaway of 5 riders
After a short parade through the streets of Biot, the start of the race was marked by several attacks. Many teams wanted to get into the breakaway. But it took a good ten kilometers before the breakaway of the day formed.
It consisted of Flavien Maurelet (St-Michel-Auber 93), Otto Vergaerde (Alpecin-Fenix), Tom Wirtgen (Bingoal-WB), and Oscar Cabedo Carda (Burgos-BH). Jérémy Leveau (Xelliss-Roubaix Lille Métropole), who started at the wrong time, eventually joined the four leaders. So, there are 5 riders leading the race.
The leaders’ advantage grew to 6 minutes. This was the moment the peloton chose to react. The INEOS-Grenadiers, for Geraint Thomas and Tao Geoghegan Hart, and Trek-Segafredo, for Bauke Mollema and Giulio Ciccone, took control of the chase.
Peloton grouped after the first two climbs of the Col de Gourdon
The gap gradually narrowed. When approaching the first ascent of the Col de Gourdon (7.8 km at 4.1%), 60 kilometers from the finish, the leaders held a 2’30” advantage over the peloton. At the head of the race, the pace quickened on the climb. Jérémy Leveau was dropped by his breakaway companions.
But there were movements behind too! For his first professional race, the Cannes native Andrea Mifsud (Swiss Racing Academy) went in pursuit of the four leaders. But the 21-year-old, who studies at SKEMA Business School in Sophia Antipolis, was caught during the second climb of the Col de Gourdon.
In this new ascent, the peloton came within a few seconds of the breakaway. Sensing the danger, the Belgian Otto Vergaerde took the lead and dropped his fellow escapees. However, he was eventually swallowed by the peloton 25 kilometers from the finish.
Bauke Mollema wins at the finish
The peloton was thus grouped at the base of the final climb to Gourdon. But attacks came quickly during the ascent. Quentin Pacher (B&B Hôtels p/b KTM) was particularly aggressive. However, he was brought back by the peloton less than 3 kilometers from the finish, following a massive effort by Bruno Armirail (Groupama-FDJ).
The peloton finally arrived in a small group at the summit of the Col de Gourdon. Victory was decided in the final meters. In this final sprint, the Dutchman Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo) made the difference. He won ahead of the Olympic champion, Belgian Greg Van Avermaet (AG2R Citroën Team), and the Frenchman Valentin Madouas (Groupama-FDJ).
The Dutchman thus took the lead in the general classification. The second stage, tomorrow, will be a loop around Fayence (177.4 km). The profile of this second stage might suit a sprinter-puncheur. This Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var is truly underway!
Standings and reactions
Stage 1 and general classification standings:
1- Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo) in 4h50’19”
2- Greg Van Avermaet (AG2R Citroën Team) at 2”
3- Valentin Madouas (Groupama-FDJ) at 2”
4- Michael Woods (Israel Start-Up Nation) at 3”
5- Giulio Ciccone (Trek-Segafredo) at 3”
6- Dorian Godon (AG2R Citroën Team) at 3”
7- Rudy Molard (Groupama-FDJ) at 3”
8- Jesus Herrada (Cofidis) at 3”
9- Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) at 3”
10- David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) at 3”
Reactions:
Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo): “The climb wasn’t very difficult, but the last 800 meters were tougher. I knew this climb very well. To win, I knew I had to start my sprint early, and I had the strength to do it. I didn’t want to get boxed in and lose positions, so I made my effort 300-350 meters from the line. The team did a great job getting me to the front. It was a long sprint, but I managed it.”
Greg Van Avermaet (AG2R Citroën Team): “I’m happy. It was quite a tough finish for a climber or puncher. It’s always better to win, but I’m content with this second place. The legs are there. The team worked well to position me. Ben O’Connor and Clément Champoussin are also well placed for the general classification.”
Valentin Madouas (Groupama-FDJ): “The climb went well, there was a good tempo at the start. There were attacks, I managed to follow, I was feeling good. I stayed well positioned. 3 km from the finish, Bruno Armirail launched us for the final ramp, we were very well led, Bruno did an amazing job. In the sprint, I was a bit hindered, but I managed to come back at the end, not far off. The sensations were good; there’s quite a field, one can feel it as the pace is high all day long. The season has started very well, and we hope to achieve great things.”
Michael Woods (Israel Start-Up Nation): “It’s always hard to know where your legs are at, but it’s a good first stage. I felt good, and the team worked very well. I tried to position myself well for the final sprint and avoid getting boxed in. I am happy with my sensations, and I think tomorrow’s stage will suit me better.”
A Tribute to Raymond Poulidor
The first stage of this Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var was an opportunity to pay tribute to one of the greatest French cyclists, Raymond Poulidor. A cyclist marker was unveiled in Vence, in honor of this French sports legend. “The passing of the former champion left a mark on the minds of the French, and we wanted to honor his memory,” explained Charles-Ange Ginésy, president of the Alpes-Maritimes Departmental Council. “This race was very dear to him, and he was often its distinguished patron. This lover of the bicycle, affectionately known as the ‘eternal second,’ remains the most famous, adored, and respected champion among riders, especially the younger ones.”
