From the start of the stage, it was clear the Team BikeExchange had a plan to be aggressive, hitting the early category 2 climb with pace and forcing a group containing Australian Michael Matthews clear at the front of the race. Matthews was driven into the intermediate sprint by his teammates, with Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain Victorious) in tow.
Colbrelli sprinted to the win, water flying in his wake as Matthews took, second, Colbrelli took the 20 points on offer, with Matthews grabbing 17, while points classification leader Mark Cavendish (Deceuninck-QuickStep) scored none with his focus solely on survival.
As the stage continued, Matthews dropped back to grupetto to save his energy for another day, but Colbrelli maintained in the chasing group behind O Connor, eventually riding to third on the stage after overtaking riders late on the climb to Tignes. With the high finish, Colbrelli took 15 extra points for the sprint jersey, and propelled his way up to third in the classificati
Julian Alaphilippe déjà en tête! Le champion du monde a gagné la première étape et endossé le maillot jaune du Tour de France, samedi, sur les hauteurs de Landerneau.
Le Français Julian Alaphilippe (Deuceninck – Quick Step) s’est emparé du maillot jaune grâce à sa victoire à la première étape du Tour de France. Celui qui portait le maillot arc-en-ciel à titre de champion du monde a complété le parcours de 197,8 kilomètres qui reliait Brest à Landerneau en 4 heures 39 minutes et 5 secondes.