Six-Fours-les-Plages (AFP)

The Italian Davide Ballerini (Deceuninck-Quickstep) seized the leader's jersey of the Tour de La Provence cyclist Thursday thanks to his victory between Aubagne and Six-Fours-les-Plages (182.3 km) in a first A stage marked by the punchy comeback of its team-mate world champion, Julian Alaphilippe.

The rainbow jersey livened up the race by boarding from the summit of Brulât, 73 kilometers from the finish, in the company of Italians Gianni Moscon (Ineos Grenadiers) and Giulio Ciccone (Trek-Segafredo).

"I did not expect to start so far from the finish. It was an attack on instinct. But the victory was playable until a few meters from the finish," he explained.

Taken back two kilometers from the goal, he then helped Ballerini to win: "With the side wind, it was better to stay in front. I knew that once we got back, we still had a chance with Davide. I saw that he had won in the very last meters, "he continued.

"It's a great start for us."

At the finish line, victory seemed promised to Arnaud Démare (Groupama-FDJ).

But the Picard sprinter, hampered by a strong side wind, discovered himself too early.

Ballerini, well protected in the final by the Dane Kasper Asgreen and Alaphilippe, passed him in extremis while Nacer Bouhanni (Arkea-Samsic) took 3rd place.

Friday, the 2nd stage between Cassis and Manosque, 174.6 km long, offers an uphill finish favorable to puncheurs.

However, Alaphilippe is 5th in the general classification, 7 seconds behind Ballerini.

"I will pay for my efforts in the next few days. But the objective is already fulfilled with Davide's victory today", warned the Frenchman: "I came here to test myself, to see where I am, to do efforts and prepare for the future ".

And take a popular walkabout!

"It made me happy, I heard a lot of encouragement today. Can't wait for tomorrow!"

© 2021 AFP