Stage 1 of the Ain Bugey Valromey Tour 2017

For some years now, we've been trying to make the first stage as flat as possible. This year it will be shorter than in previous years. At 96.2 km, it will favor the road sprinters, but beware! The average speed will be very high, especially over the first 40 km, where the rouleurs will be going start to wear down the climbers, who are the favourites for our event. At the first small bump, you'll have to change gear, and those with "big legs" will immediately find themselves in trouble. For the others, the second GPM will be the leg-breaking surprise in the middle of the course. The remaining half of the course will still be very tricky, allowing for a massive sprint finish.

Vincent LAVENU & Bernard GAMBADE