August 27, 2003 (Saint-Amand-Montrond, France) – Here, in the region that is referred to as the “France's geographic centre”, the seventh Trophée d'Or was launched yesterday, the first of the race's six stages. Already the locals have the impression that team RONA/Esker is – almost — one of theirs… after all Magali Le Floc'h and Catherine Marsal, two of France's most successful riders, are on board, accompanied by Canadians Andrea Hannos and Erinne Willock, German Karen Bockel and New Zealander Meshy Holt.

Last year's winner, Ukrainian Tatiana Stiajkina, will not be racing. But the battle for the Golden “Maillot d'Or” should be fierce. The French Nationals have sent a strong team, with the French champion Sonia Huguet, European champion Virginie Moinard, brilliant young Juliette Vandekerkhove, while Marina Jaunatre will be racing for Orléanais-Pays de Loire. The Australians have sent, among others, Emma James and Katie MacTier, while New Zealanders Rosalind Reekie-May, Sarah Ulmer and Joanne Kiesanowski will be competing with an international composite team. The peloton will be completed by teams from regions of France, and from Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxemburg, Russia and the Czech Republic.

The programme:

27 August: Saint-Amand-Montrond РLa Chapelle Saint-Ursin, 95.6 km 28 August, a.m. : Les Aix d'Angillon РSaint-Martin-D'Auxigny, 96.8 km 28 August, p.m.: Orval РSaint-Amand-Montrond, individual time trial, 12.5 km 29 August: Avord РAvord, 114.4 km 30 August: Aubigny-sur-N̬re РAubigny-sur-N̬re, 96.4 km 31 August: Boussac РSaint-Amand-Montrond, 105.7 km