July 26, 2008 (Val-d’Or, QC) – The French national team reaped the rewards of its efforts during the first stage when Arnaud Demare squeaked by his rivals at the finish line. The French team had managed to stay well positioned during several sprints at today’s Stage 1 between Preissac and Val-d’Or, the host city of the Tour de l’Abitibi. Their jerseys were clearly visible among the top ranks of the peloton when the cyclists arrived at the city circuit.

Quebec’s Simon Lambert-Lemay placed second followed by American Iggy Silva in third. Both riders were on the heels of Demare who won with a time of 2 hours 10 minutes 57 seconds over the 95.4km route. The victorious French have reason to boast earning the three coveted jerseys: individual placement, total points, and the best first-year junior.

Today’s race saw some breakaways, one of which lasted 20km. Australia and Japan were represented, however it was the Ukranian national team that was at the front of the peloton throughout the distance. Three crashes disrupted today’s race and one of the riders involved was the only Val-d’Or participant, who had to return to Val-d’Or by ambulance.

Stage 2 of this year’s Tour de l’Abitibi will be held tomorrow when the city of St. Mathieu welcomes the cyclists and sends them once again on their way back to the host city.

Results

1. Arnaud Demare (Fra) France 2:10:57
2. Sim Lambert-Lemay (Can) Québec
3. Iggy Silva (USA) USA National Team
4. David Boily (Can) Québec
5. Michael Bilodeau (Can) Espoirs Saputo
6. Andre L’Espérance (Can) Apogee Kuota Élicycle
7. Jamie Crass (Aus) Australian National Team
8. Nikita Umerbekov (Kaz) Kazakhstan National Team
9. Florian Taillefer (Fra) France
10. Arnaud Jouffroy (Fra) France


Brown jersey (individual leader):
* Arnaud Demare (Fra) France
Orange jersey (points leader):
* Arnaud Demare (Fra) France
Blue jersey (best first year junior):
* Arnaud Demare (Fra) France