Fabio Baldato (Alessio) is the early leader in the Etoile de Besseges. The Italian won a five-up sprint to win Stage 1, a 153.5-km run from Saint-Cannat to Sainte-Tulle, in 3:47:06. Franck Bouyer (Brioches La Boulangere) finished second, and Michael Skelde (Fakta) took third.

The day's big break occurred on the Cote Pierrevert (127 km). Baldato, Bouyer and Fabrice Salanson (both from Brioches La Boulangere), Skelde, and Scheirlinckx attacked and forged a one-minute advantage over nine pursuers. The quintet stayed together until the sprint, which Baldato won.

Stage 2 will be a 154-km race in and around Marseille. Will Baldato keep his lead? Check on http://www.roadcycling.com/ and find out!