Cycling: The top French teams would certainly have wished for a different start to the French cycling season on home soil. On the other hand, the Dutchman Pim Ligthart from the Belgian cycling team Lotto Soudal caused a surprise victory. Ag2r, FDJ.fr and Europcar rank far behind, further running.
For the top teams from France, the Grand Prix d'Ouverture La Marseillaise was anything but successful. Kevin Reza was the fastest FDJ.fr rider in 24th place, while Romain Bardet crossed the finish line in 2th place as the fastest Ag37r team rider. For Pierre Rolland from Team Europcar, it was only enough for 52nd place.
The Dutch, on the other hand, had reason to celebrate. With Pim Ligthart's victory, a Dutchman is at the top of the podium for the first time in 27 years. In the sprint, Ligthart was able to leave the three Belgians Kenneth van Bilsen (Cofidis), Antoine Demoitie (Wallonie Bruxelles) and Baptiste Planckaert (Roubaix Lille Metropole) behind.
For the Dutchman it was also the first victory for the Lotto Soudal team. Last year Belgian Kenneth van Bilsen won the GP La Marseillaise. The next event on the French cycling calendar is the Étoile de Bessèges stage race from February 4th to 8th.