The Caen la Mer Ouistreham Riva‑Bella – Argentan stage of 151 km opens the Tour de l'Avenir with a lively, tactical and already selective opening stage. The yellow jersey lands on the shoulders of Belgian Niels Driesen (Lotto Groupe Wanty), flawless in the sprint that closes the leading trio and hands him provisional leadership ahead of Norwegian Kasper Haugland (Decathlon CMA‑CGM Devo) and world champion Lorenzo Mark Finn (Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe Rookies). Behind, the first chaser Marin loses 29", fifth is Donati at 36" with Simone Zanini eighth, while the main peloton – which also includes Bravo, Ramirez and other men expected to contend for the overall classification – arrives at 1'44", a significant gap already on the opening day.

The day ignites with the breakaway of Kreikermeier, Ruesche, Dodd and Lewandowski, neutralized 40 km from the finish. From there the race changes pace. 25 km from the end, a quality group forms: Finn, Haugland, Marin Martinez, Loulergue and Driesen accelerate and immediately create a gap behind. Then, at 6 km, another shock: Finn attacks, taking away a trio that will never be caught again. In the sprint, Driesen is the most composed and claims both the stage and the jersey.

Tomorrow, the second stage promises a different script: 116 km from Nogent‑le‑Rotrou to Amboise, ideal terrain for a bunch finish and for another duel among the best sprinters in the field.