Charvieu-Chavagneux rider Loris Coss won the first stage of the TPR in a sprint in the heart of the Mulsant district of Roanne which vibrated to the rhythm of the laps of this initial stage.
42 laps and 69 kilometers for an appetizer. Here is the program for the first stage of the Tour du Pays Roannais 2024, contested this Friday June 28 in the Mulsant district in the form of a 1.7 km loop.
Loris Coss (Charvieu-Chavagneux) was the fastest in this criterium run at an average of just over 46 km/h. The winner of the day and first yellow jersey beat two riders from Etupes, Henri-François Haquin and the Australian Mathew Fox.
“I’m not the best sprinter in the peloton. I have to use my head.”
Loris Coss (Winner of the Mulsant stage and first leader)
For the occasion, Mulsant was transformed to host the lovely TPR bazaar. Place Victor-Hugo hosted the rear base of the 22 teams of this 35th edition. The many bikes of the couriers decorated the street furniture. The public was able to enjoy a beautiful one on the balcony, at the window or even on the terrace. And the spectators must have had good eyes to see Loris Coss raise his arms at full speed. “The goal was to be well placed at the entrance to the bend,” says the winner, 24 years old in ten days. “I was third, then at the 150 meters, I was in the lead.” The rider from Charvieu did not give up and won his first victory among amateurs, he who had not won since he was in cadets. “I am not the best sprinter in the peloton. I have to use my head.”
Loris Coss also erases a difficult start to the season. “I had a lot of problems, especially with one leg,” he says. “I wasn’t supposed to do the Tour du Pays Roannais but I did well last week.” His current good form has opened the doors to TPR for him.
First winner, Loris Coss, donned the yellow leader’s jersey in the middle of a well-filled Place Victor-Hugo. People took the time to enjoy a beautiful summer evening. The rain that fell just before the start did not spoil the party. The TPR is well underway.
B.B
