Team Sky’s Geraint Thomas, despite the horrifying crash he suffered during yesterday’s 6.6km opening stage, was finally able to end the race to finish only 21 secs behind winner and teammate Michal Kwiatkowski.
Despite one of the favorites of Team Sky had to suffer several cuts and bruises to only finish in 43rd position, another rider did what the squad needed to end a successful opening stage at this season’s Criterium du Dauphine, and now Kwiatkowski leads the race.
Team Sky’s had definitely a great day when, aside from Thomas’ crash, Italian champ Gianni Moscon was able to post the third fastest time wearing the best young cyclist white jersey.
“I know how hard I was training to be in good shape here in the Dauphine, as well as preparing for the Tour,” Kwiatkowski said.
“You have to always be at the start thinking about the win, otherwise you are not able to perform well. It’s going to be difficult, the transition I have to make from spring and performing in the Classics, to getting ready for the Tour,” he added.
“I was training for more than two weeks at our altitude training camp getting ready for the climbing. Let’s hope I can find my legs, if not here then for the Tour.”
Didn’t think I went in too fast… Obviously was??All ok though, just some cuts, could have been a lot worse!! At least the form is good https://t.co/AT5XXWKvuW
— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) June 3, 2018
Prologue Criterium du Dauphine result:
1 Michal Kwiatkowski (Pol/Team Sky) 7mins 25secs
2 Jos van Emden (Ned/Team LottoNL-Jumbo) + 1sec
3 Gianni Moscon (Ita/Team Sky) + 3secs
4 Victor Campenaerts (Bel/Lotto-Soudal) + 5secs
5 Patrick Bevin (Nzl/BMC Racing Team) same
6 Matthias Brandle (Aut/Trek-Segafredo) + 6secs
7 Bob Jungels (Lux/Quick-Step Floors) + 7secs
8 Jens Keukeleire (Bel/Lotto-Soudal) + 9secs
9 Jonathan Castroviejo (Spa/Team Sky) same time
10 Brent Bookwalter (USA/BMC Racing Team) + 11secs
