Stage 1 of the Tour de l'Ain sees Groupama-FDJ dominating, with Tom Donnenwirth claiming his first professional victory
Tom Donnenwirth Triumphs in a Thrilling Sprint Finish at Tour de l'Ain
In a dramatic conclusion to the first stage of the 2025 Tour de l'Ain, Tom Donnenwirth of Groupama-FDJ clinched a hard-fought victory on a 163km hilly route from Feillens to Lagnieu. The stage, which included the category 2 Col de Portes climb at km 137, was marked by intense competition and strategic maneuvers.
Earlier in the stage, a breakaway consisting of Ben Tulett and Cian Uijtdebroeks from Visma-Lease a Bike, Nicolas Prodhomme of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, Kenny Molly, Yoel Habteab, and Julian Borresch created a new breakaway. However, they were reeled back in with just 20km remaining.
As the race entered its final stages, Groupama-FDJ took the lead in forming a path towards a bunch finish. Rémy Rochas served as the lead-out for Donnenwirth, setting the pace for the final sprint. Visma-Lease a Bike and TotalEnergies teams were among those driving the peloton and holding the breakaway in check.
In a tense finale, Donnenwirth outpaced his rivals to take the stage win. His teammate David Gaudu finished a close second, ensuring a double podium finish for Groupama-FDJ. Andrea Vendrame of AG2R La Mondiale rounded out the podium in third place.
Belgian Cian Uijtdebroeks, who was part of the early breakaway, collected the King of the Mountains (KOM) points, leading the way for the mountain classification. Oliver Mattheis of Bike Aid attempted a solo flyer for 8km during the final stages, but was unable to hold off the charging peloton.
The first stage of the three-day Tour de l'Ain opened on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The race, which attracts some of the world's top cyclists, promises more exciting competition in the days to come.
[1] Tour de l'Ain Official Website [3] Cycling News [5] Velonews
- Tom Donnenwirth's triumph in the sprint finish at the Tour de l'Ain was not just a cycling victory, but a testament to his endurance and strategic prowess in sports.
- Despite not winning the stage, Cian Uijtdebroeks' performance in the breakaway and his collection of King of the Mountains points were impressive display of sportsmanship and athleticism.
