The Dutch Jumbo-Visma team won the Tour of Spain team time trial in Stage 1 on the streets of Utrecht, the Netherlands. The formation was ahead of Ineos-Grenadiers by 13 seconds and Quick-Step by 14 seconds, on the flat course of 23.3 kilometers.
A result which allows Robert Gesink to put on the leader’s red jersey and to perfectly launch the Vuelta of its leader Primoz Roglic in search of a historic 4th coronation.
In the event of another success on the Spanish circuit, the Slovenian will become the first rider to win four consecutive Vueltas, equaling the crowning record of Spaniard Roberto Heras, winner in 2000, 2003, 2004 and 2005. Long uncertain following his retirement from the Tour de France, Roglic, 32, reassured regarding his physical condition.
On Saturday, the runners will complete a 175.1 kilometer loop of plain between ‘s-Hertogenbosch and Utrecht, then around Breda on Sunday, before reaching Spain and the Basque Pyrenees from Tuesday.
afp/tzing
