BMC Racing proved fastest in the opening stage of the Vuelta a España in Nimes today, beating their nearest opposition by six seconds in 13.7-kilometre team time-trial.
The result means that Australian rider Rohan Dennis will take the first leader’s jersey of the race with Daniel Oss taking the combined jersey. Irishman Nicolas Roche, who is riding his seventh Vuelta, takes over the mountains jersey.
Six BMC riders finished together in a time of 15’58” to set the fastest time, with both Quick Step Floors and Team Sunweb finishing 6″ behind. Team Sky finished in fourth place, nine seconds behind BMC, resulting in Chris Froome gaining time on his nearest rivals for the overall victory. It was a disappointing start for Astana Pro Team who finished in a time of 16’39” meaning Fabio Aru has already lost 32″ to Froome.
It was the second team time-trial win of the season for Roche, having already won the test at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana (2.1) back in February.
Roche previously held the mountain’s jersey of the Vuelta in 2013 when he also wore the red leader’s jersey, points jersey and combined jersey on various stages.
The race continues tomorrow with a 203.4-kilometre stage from Nimes to Gruissan.
Liam Woodgate
Class work Nico
Thomas Cahill