Laurance wins in perfect start at Coppi e Bartali

Axel Laurance kick-started Settimana Coppi e Bartali in style with victory on the opening stage.

The Frenchman benefitted from a strong lead-out and teamwork from his Grenadiers teammates throughout the day to move into an early race lead in Italy.

The team were active across the 161.1-kilometre opener to set up a sprint, with four INEOS Grenadiers Racing Academy riders contributing to the victory.

Davide Frigo, Max Hinds, Milkias Maekele and Dylan Sage were enjoying their first senior appearances for the team, and instrumental in making sure Laurance got into a winning position into Barolo following the final climb.

Laurance takes a four-second lead over Mauro Schmid (Jayco AlUla) into stage two, which should provide an opportunity for the sprinters. AJ August was also present in the peloton at the finish, setting up the young American well for the GC stages ahead.