Tour of the Alps, the first stop for Frenchman Bouchard

Davide Romani sent to San Martino di Castrozza

April 18
– Milan

Geoffrey Bouchard won the first stage of the Tour of the Alps, 161 km from Cles to Primiero / San Martino di Castrozza and is the first leader of the Euregio race.

HISTORY – The first day of the race, which reached its 45th edition, experienced a breakaway that started after 28 km. Six fugitives: Bouchard (Ag2r), Zwiehoff (Bora), Bais (Drone Hopper), Etxeberria (Euskaltel), Rangel Costa (Movistar) and Zangerle (Tirol). An attempt that led the leaders to have an advantage over the group which reached 7’40 ”. After the flying finish line in Pergine the group begins to lose pieces: Zangerle comes off and on the climb that leads to Passo Brocon also the Brazilian Rangel Costa loses contact. The French from Ag2r makes a selection and only the German from Bora remains at his wheel. On the descent Etxeberria and Bais return but the two break off again on the second ascent of the day. Zwiehoff, thanks to a crash, loses contact with Bouchard who in the end manages to defend himself from the return of the group – who started late – who on the tear of the Molaren 2.5 km from the finish seemed able to mend the few seconds that separated him from the race leader. The Frenchman instead gritted his teeth, leading by 5 seconds the group set in the sprint by Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorius). In third place Romain Bardet (Team DSM), fourth Vincenzo Albanese (Eolo Kometa). Tomorrow from San Martino di Castrozza to Lana with Passo Rolle, Passo della Mendola and Passo Palade: the Frenchman Geoffrey Bouchard in the green jersey.