The 48th Tour du Limousin started off for the Movistar Team on Tuesday with a 176km trek from Limoges to Saint-Yrieix which, despite its lumpy profile and the 3,000m vertical drop announced by the organisers and local media, came down to a bunch sprint conquered by Sonny Colbrelli (BAR), who also became the first leader.

The squad directed by José Luis Laguía took most of the responsibility to chase in the main field and fought for the stage win with Enrique Sanz, only beaten by the winner, second-placed Andrea Pasqualon (SKO), Timothy Dupont (RLM, 3rd) and Simone Ponzi (STH, 4th). In turn, Jesús Herrada finished in 18th and showed focus towards the three difficult stages set to decide the race until Friday.

"It is a shame not to have started a little later. Thanks to the team who did a great work," Sanz tweeted after the stage.

Wednesday will bring day two of racing in central France, with a 188km journey into Lissac-sur-Couze preceded by the Côte de Chaleil (Cat-2; 6%) in the finale plus the uphill sprint in Le Pas Noir.