Célia Gery, a French rider with FDJ Suez but racing today with the French national team, won the first stage of the Tour de l'Avenir Femmes. The 19-year-old completed the 129 kilometers, crossing the finish line in Saint Galmier ahead of Italian Eleonora Cibocco and Belgian Fleur Moos, who finished second and third respectively. Federica Venturelli and Francesca Barale were also among the top performers.

The first fifty kilometers of the race saw minimal action: a crash that forced Paula Blasi to chase from the early stages and some timid attacks that never developed into a breakaway. At the first Intermediate Sprint of the day, the competition slightly intensified with Linda Riedmann, the German U23 champion, who preceded Canadian Ava Holmgren, sister of the overall leader Isabella, and British rider Imogen Wolf.

The real selection came when the group approached the Col des Brosses: many athletes lost ground, and the French National team with Eglantine Rayer took the initiative, setting the pace towards the mountain pass. The King of the Mountains (GPM) was won by Clelia Gery ahead of Belgian Fleur Moors, Canadian Ava Holmgren, and Italian Eleonora Ciabocco.

In the last twenty-five kilometers, the Italian team was seen at the front of the group. There were a few more attempts to break away in the final kilometers, with our National team athletes trying to make a move, but ultimately blocked by the Canadians.

to be continued