The 127 kilometers of the first stage of the Tour Cycliste Féminin International de l'Ardèche smile on Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx Protime). The world champion, returning to racing after the Tour de France, conquered the victory by anticipating Eleonora Ciabocco (Picnic Post NL) at the finish line and Mischa Bredewold (Team SD Worx – Protime), who finished third 4" behind the winning teammate. Erica Magnaldi (UAE Team ADQ) was just a step away from the podium, while Debora Silvestri (Laboral Kutxa - Fundación Euskadi) finished seventh.

Kopecky, obviously, conquers the leader's jersey that she will wear tomorrow at the start of the second stage: the Saint-Rambert-d'Albon / Saint-Donat-sur-l'Herbasse of 113 kilometers. Ciabocco is the best young rider in the general classification.

The race offered few narrative highlights before the arrival: the most important breakaway of the day was led by the Dutch rider Anna van Wersch (Lotto Ladies), who was caught a couple of kilometers from the finish line.