Belle-Ile: a grande start. 123 riders at the start, decided to battle it out after just a few kilometres of a fine course along the cliffs of Belle-Île-en-mer and under a bright sunshine… And pace, a very fast pace... Stage one of the 2007 Tour de l'Avenir was the scene of an ever-present show, under the influence of a pack riding full speed ahead in front of the Aiguilles of Port Coton, at the passage of the Apothicairie Grotto of in the streets of Sauzon and Palais. In the final part, at full blast, the pack led by the Slovenian riders started a tantalizing chase behind Poulhiès and his breakaway companions. But the Frenchman from Albi hung on to his lead and sprinted to victory capturing all three jerseys, the yellow, the green and the polka-dot…
Cholet: the winning move. On the finish line in Cholet, the Tour de l'Avenir witnessed a decisive move. Twenty-one riders who had broken away after only two kilometres showed up bunched at the start of the final straight with close to a 7 minute advantage. Among them some of the big guns like Martin (GER), Levarlet (FRA), Mollema (NED) or Instxausti (SPA), true contendors for final overall victory. The pressure reached a climax. Vandewalle took off while Mollema tried to respond failing however to catch up with the Belgian, victorious on the line. In the overall standing Mollema captured the lead with the authority of a real boss. Behind, Poulhiès (FRA), Cataldo (ITA) and Boasson Hagen (NOR) could only count the minutes. The Tour de l'Avenir had just faded away.
Master Mollema. The race started getting tougher with the leaders revealing their intentions during the time-trial and the first mountain stages. In the timed stage around Sassay, Rafaa Chtioui (MIX - TUN) gave all he had and triumphed ahead of the expected specialists. Martin (GER) conquered the yellow jersey but Mollema remained within shooting distance. In the stage going to Saint-Amand-Montrond both men neutralised each other before the real battle on the way to Super-Besse. In the final climb, Mollema multiplied the attacking attempts. Martin tried to hang on but finally conceded 46" that cost him his yellow jersey. From then on Mollema took command of the pack making the best of his strong Dutch team and controlled the race all the waty to the last finish in Saint-Flour.
