Matthew Walls set off at 1:06 p.m. for 31.9 km from Montbrison to La Bâtie d’Urfé… The runner from Bora-Hansgrohe, 148th and last overall opens the ball under a mild sky, the rain having stopped.
After two days spent in Haute-Loire, the cycling race settles in the Loire this Wednesday, for a time trial linking Boulevard Charles-de-Gaulle de Montbrison (Jacquins sports area) to the Bâtie d’Urfé , passing through Savigneux, Chalain-d’Uzore, Montverdun and Saint-Étienne-le-Molard.
Even if the weather decided to play the spoilsports during the morning, the preparations have increased in intensity since 10 am on the start line of the time trial.
In the middle of the riders’ buses, many people came to take a closer look behind the scenes and to see the perfectly oiled machine that makes the Dauphiné criterium work.
Many activities are planned at the departure village of Montbrison. The arrival will be in front of the central entrance of the Bâtie d’Urfé.
The passage of runners will disrupt traffic and parking conditions in the area.