FDJ missed out on the stage win in the Tour de l'Ain prologue when climber Alexandre Geniez was beaten into second by just 0.06 second while sprinter Marc Sarreau as a second behind in third.

"I knew I had to start quickly," Geniez told Directvelo. "The beginning was hard. I was able to recover well in the turns. My choice of front wheel was a good option on this course. 

"For the rest of the race, I am here to get back into racing. The first two stages are likely to be decided in sprints and then we can look ahead to the final two stages. It will be difficult to control with six riders."

"I missed the victory by very little," Sarreau told Directvelo. "It's a shame. I started a little too hard. At the intermediate check, I was 5" ahead of Alexandre Geniez who had the best time. I lost time in the second part. I will aim for the best possible result in the next two stages. The team will support Alexandre in the final two stages."

"To do such a prologue where you needed strength and there were many turns is good," manager Marc Madiot said "Alexandre (Géniez) has reallt worked well since the Tour de France. He did a great prologue. Just lie Marc Sarreau who reminded me of Baden Cooke in his early years. He is a reference. The first kilometer was tortuous and Marc was six seconds ahead of Alex after riding at an incredible speed, pedaling through the turns. A real demonstration!"