Cycling: Christophe Laporte has won the start of the Etoile de Bessèges. The Frenchman prevailed in the demanding final sprint ahead of his ex-teammate Nacer Bouhanni.
Laporte follows Bouhanni and passes
With a surprisingly early attack on the final climb, which is up to 10 percent steep Bouhanni born (Arkéa – Samsic) opened the final. But the 30-year-old Frenchman couldn't win the start in Bellegarde. The first stage of the Etoile de Bessèges goes to his compatriot, who is two years his junior Christophe Laporte (Cofidis). He had followed his former teammate and sprinted past him just before the finish line. So tomorrow he will also be in the jersey of the overall leader at the start. Eighth of the day as the best German John Degenkolb (Lotto – Soudal). Before that there had been two falls, so that only a severely decimated main field could sprint for the day's victory.
The Etoile de Bessèges has a top staff
Due to the many race cancellations, many top stars have registered at the Etoile de Bessèges this year. Among other things, are there greg van avermaet (AG2R – Citroën), Egan Bernal (Ineos) Geraint Thomas (Ineos) Vincenzo Nibali (Trek - Segafredo), Rigoberto Urán (EF), Pierre Latour (Total Direct Energy), Philip Gilbert (Lotto – Soudal) and Pascal Ackermann (Bora – hansgrohe). The tour will end in Alès on Sunday after five stages. Last year's winner Benoit Cosnefroy (AG2R Citroën) cannot participate due to an injury.
Cycling is back with L'Étoile de Bessèges. Christophe Laporte of @TeamCOFIDIS won the first stage. It finished on a naughty little climb into Bellagarde.#EDB2021pic.twitter.com/eYqLofRat7
— Cyclist (@cyclist) February 3, 2021
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