Classique des Alpes, Cat 1.2

France, June 7, 1997

1996 Results

Report

Created in 1991, the Classique des Alpes is the only authentic mountain race in the International Calendar. It takes place the day before the Critirium du Dauphini, which is considered as the last major stage race before the Tour de France. The route goes through the Chartreuse and Bauges mountains between Aix-les-Bains and Chambiry, alternating each year, so that in 1997 the Granier Mountain will be the last difficulty before the finish in Chambiry. The succession of Laurent Jalabert is opened to some of the favorites of the Tour de France among them, the Danish last winner Bjarne Riis. Broadcasted on France 2 and run on less than 200 km, the Classique des Alpes will be preceded by a junior race on a shorter route to reveal tomorrow's climbers.

179 kms between Aix-les-Bains and Chambery. 7 climbs in total, including the Col du Granier twice. Laurent Roux (TVM) made an impressive jump from the peloton to the leaders Laurent Madouas (Lotto) and Jose-Maria Jimenez (Banesto). Suddenly, he was way back, probably due to mechanical problems. He returned, countered an attack by Madouas, Jimenez couln't. Roux won the sprint-a-deux.

Race distance - 179 kms:

  1. Laurent Roux (Fra) TVM,  	             5.02.11
  2. Laurent Madouas (Fra) Lotto           	s.t.
  3. Jose Maria Jimenez (Spa) Banesto  		0.55
  4. Abraham Olano (Spa) Banesto        	1.26
  5. Fernando Escartin (Spa) Kelme
  6. Alberto Elli (Ita) Casino
  7. Jan Ullrich (Ger) Telekom         	       all s.t.
  8. Davide Rebellin (Ita) FDJ           	1.33
  9. Santiago Blanco (Spa) Banesto
 10. Philippe Buschor (Swi) Saeco     	      both s.t.

Abandon: Richard Virenque