Saur Sojasun's Jonathan Hivert took victory in the traditional French season opener today, the 139.5 kilometer GP Cycliste la Marseillaise. Hivert beat Johnny Hoogerland of the Dutch Vacansoleil team and compatriot Samuel Dumoulin from Cofidis, who finished second and third respectively.
The strong start to the season with Hoogerland's second place is important for the Vacansoleil team, as they work to secure a wildcard invitation to this year's Tour de France, which starts at home in Rotterdam.
Results:
1. Jonathan HIVERT Saur - Sojasun
2. Johnny HOOGERLAND Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team
3. Samuel DUMOULIN Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
4. Steven CUMMINGS Sky Professional Cycling Team
5. Rémy DI GREGORIO Française des Jeux
6. Pieter JACOBS Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator
7. Martial RICCI POGGI Landbouwkrediet
8. Brice FEILLU Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team
9. Kalle KRIIT Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
10. Romain FEILLU Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team