Stage 1 of the Ain Bugey Valromey Tour 2019

The 32nd edition of the AIN BUGEY VALROMEY TOUR will be completely atypical.
The first two stages will be relatively long for juniors. For the uninitiated, the maximum distance for a road race is 130 km. But the average daily distance of a stage must not exceed 100 km. So, since the 3rd stage on Saturday 13th is a 9.9 km time trial, we've been able to lengthen stages 1 and 2 to a daily average of 90.8 km.
The first stage will therefore be 119 Km long, on a relatively flat course. The first category 3 bump will be crossed at PK 20. The sprinters for the red Caisse d'Epargne jersey will have to be at the front, to contest the 1st SPRINT at Serrières de Briord at PK 29.3 (on this stage, the 1st and 3rd SPRINTS will be contested at Serrières). However, this first bump from Calvaire de Milieu to Km 20 should pose no problems, as the low percentage will allow the rouleurs to climb on a large development. Nevertheless, to contest the second SPRINT from Montalieu to PK 57.5, after 20 km of flat, we'll have to cross the 2nd GPM at PK 49.5. The first 500 m of this GPM, with a 17% gradient, will put the sprinters in a difficult position, where they'll have to keep up the pace over 20 km of flat for the 3rd Serrières SPRINT at PK 67. After this sporting confrontation, it's time to climb Côte 440 and head back down to Lagnieu, with a possible regrouping for those behind. It will be very important not to miss the "good wagon", because that's where the trap will be! The road sprinters will put the pressure on the climbers (if they know how to organize themselves) to cover the remaining 38 km on a VERY FLAT ROUTE before reaching the finish. Large straight stretches, ideal for edging, with three laps of a final circuit, will allow a massive sprint to take place.
BAD WEATHER FOR THE CLIMBERS!!!

Carloz DACRUZ and Bernard GAMBADE