Michael Matthews took his first victory of the season and also his first win in Team Sunweb colours when he proved fastest at the end of the opening stage of Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco.
The 26-year-old Australian finished ahead of Jay McCarthy (Bora-Hansgrohe) and former team-mate Simon Gerrans (Orica-Scott) at the end of the 153-kilometre stage and takes the first yellow jersey of the race.
Alex Aranburu (Caja Rural), Yoann Bagot (Cofidis) and Igor Anton (Dimension Data) escaped early on and gained a lead of nearly four minutes. However, they were never given too much leeway and the sprinters’ teams ensured that they were caught inside the final twenty kilometres.
Julian Alaphilippe (Quick Step Floors) made a late attack but was thwarted by a puncture, ensuring the stage ended in a bunch finish.
As the bunch headed round the final corner through to the finish line, Team Sunweb were able to deliver Matthews into a perfect position. The Australian launched his explosive sprint, an effort that proved to be too strong for his opponents and he powered to victory taking his first win for his new team.
After his win Matthews said: “Today was a perfect day and the team worked all day out the front on their own. The guys put me into the perfect position to win the stage and I can’t thank them enough for their help and support today. I am really happy I could take the win after all of their amazing work and dedication.”
“The team did a very good job controlling the peloton all day, aiming towards a sprint for Michael,” said Team Sunweb coach Morten Bennekou. “When the early breakaway was caught with 20km to go we kept focused and positioned until the final. We are all especially happy because the victory was based on a strong team performance and an equally as strong individual performance. We are looking forward to riding with the yellow jersey tomorrow.”
