FRANCE-MONTREAL-LA-CLUSE, France, Aug 10, 2008 (AFP) – Floris Goesinnen of the Skil Shimano team sprinted to victory on the first stage of the Tour de l’Ain in eastern France on Sunday.

The Dutchman took the leader’s yellow jersey after crossing the finishing line first ahead of Paul Moucheraud with the peloton led by Belgian Greg Van Avermaet arriving close behind.

A breakaway group gained a 10-minute lead ahead of the pack early in the 149km stage from Lagnieu to Montreal-la-Cluse but the gap narrowed as the course became more mountainous.