In a vibrant finish, Venezuelan Orluis Aular (Caja Rural – Seguros RGA), who sounds strongly to reinforce Movistar Team, won the first stage of the Tour du Limousin 2024, after riding 174 kilometers between Boisseuil and Auzances.
The South American rider, who achieved his third victory of the season, crossed the finish line in first place, just ahead of Frenchman Axel Zingle (Cofidis). Third was the French rider Dorian Godon (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team).
Regarding the only Colombian in the competition, Hugo Rodríguez (Trinity Racing) came behind and placed 123rd, more than 25 minutes behind the winner.
The menu of the day presented a hilly course, with two climbs in the last twenty kilometers, with the Côte de Puy Aubrun (2 km at 4.2%) and the Côte de Felletin (2 km at 4.8%) of third category.
The first breakaway of the race was led by Olympic runner-up Valentin Madouas (Groupama-FDJ), Alex Baudin (Decathlon AG2R), Jordan Labrosse (Decathlon AG2R), Alexis Gougeard (Cofidis), Louis Barré (Arkéa-B&B Hotels), Obie Vidts (Intermarché-Wanty), Rayan Boulahoite (TotalEnergies) and Gorka Sorarrain (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA), but they were neutralized by the peloton towards the end.
The second stage of the French race, of the four agreed, will take place this Wednesday with a 193.8-kilometer route between Saint-Aulaye-Puymangou and Terrasson-Lavilledieu, which includes six mountain passes in the final part.
Results Stage 1 | Boisseuil – Auzances (174 km)
| 1 | Orluis Aular *Venezuela | Caja Rural – Seguros RGA | 3:54:43 |
| 2 | Axel Zingle | Cofidis | ,, |
| 3 | Dorian Godon | Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team | ,, |
| 4 | Baptiste Vadic | TotalEnergies | ,, |
| 5 | Clément Venturini | Arkéa – B&B Hotels | ,, |
| 6 | Filippo Fiorelli | VF Group – Bardiani CSF – Faizanè | ,, |
| 7 | Hugo Page | Intermarché – Wanty | ,, |
| 8 | Valentin Retailleau | Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team | ,, |
| 9 | Kristian Sbaragli | Team Corratec – Vini Fantini | ,, |
| 10 | Julien Simon | TotalEnergies | ,, |