The first day of the Ruta del Sol, Spain, was marked by falls for the Team AG2R La Mondiale. During the morning stage between La Rabida and Hinojos, Blel Kadri, Jan Bakelants and Johan Vansummeren were caught in a collective fall 4 km from the finish.

Blel Kadri, taken to hospital, suffers a fracture of the eighth rib. The duration of his indisponibllité will be determined by the evolution of pain, says Dr. Eric Bouvat, medical director of the team. Jan Bakelants and Johan Vansummeren, which fell again in the against the clock in the afternoon suffer only superficial wounds. "A day to forget", said the sports director Julien Jurdie. "It's a shame because Blel was fit and had left his card to play in the final."