April 3/17 17:36 pm - Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco: Stage 1

Posted by Editoress on 04/3/17
 

Michael Matthews (Sunweb) winner of the first stage and new leader

First stage of the Tour of the Basque Country started in Pamplona. Miguel Indurain, the Mayor of Pamplona Joseba Asirón and the president of the organising committee Julián Eraso were pn hand. After almost 7 (neutral) kms through the streets of Pamplona, the official start was given.

Right after the official race start, the breakway of the day was formed. 3 riders attacked, Yoann Bagot (Cofidis), Lluis Mas (Caja Rural) and Igor Antón (Team Dimension Data). The trio lead extended to over 4 min and was not brought back the until just 20 kms to go.

The final kilonmetres saw a a succession of attacks, one possibly successful one by Quick Step rider Julian Alaphilippe with less than 4 km to go. However, bad luck struck the frenchman, he punctured when he was just opening a gap to the bunch. Once the peloton was back together again, all riders contended the final metres with Sunweb's Michael Matthews winning the stage ahead of Jay McCarthy (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Simon Gerrans (Orica-Scott).

The only Canadian entry Michael Woods (Cannondale-Drapac Team) finished 116th in the same time as the winner.