Published on : 07/28/2026
The first stage of the Tour de l’Ain was set to be a sprinter’s race. The Cofidis team wanted to get through this first day without a hitch. They succeeded.
The first stage of the Tour de l’Ain certainly offered the sprinters their only chance in this race on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. For Team Cofidis, which did not field a sprinter, the goal is clearly to aim for a strong overall classification, particularly with Emanuel Buchmann and Jamie Meehan. Starting tomorrow, the double climb of the Col des Portes could present opportunities for our riders from the north.
The reaction
Benjamin Giraud: "It was a completely flat stage with no time bonuses up for grabs in the general classification. We didn’t field a sprinter because we’re focused on the general classification. We had few ambitions for today. The main goal was to get everyone across the finish line and ensure that Jamie Meehan and Emanuel Buchmann weren’t too far behind. Tomorrow will be tougher, and the real test for us will come on Thursday."