Poulhies takes stage, Feillu grabs jersey at Tour de l’Ain

Stephane Poulhies (Saur Sojasun) wins the first stage of the Tour de l'Ain as Romain Feillu (Vacansoleil) takes the lead.

Stephane Poulhies (Saur Sojasun) edged a bunch sprint finish to win the first stage of the Tour de l’Ain on Wednesday.

The win represents the first professional victory for the 25-year-old French rider who completed the 144.4km stage between Lagnieu and Saint-Vulbas in 3:22:09, nosing across the line just ahead of compatriot Romain Feillu of the Vacansoleil team.

Feillu takes over the yellow jersey with a four second advantage over prologue winner Spaniard Haimar Zubeldia of the RadioShack team.

Thursday’s third stage sees the riders travelling the 134.7km from Villars-les-Dombes to Trevoux.

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