This opening stage is 124 pretty flat kilometers. But the final kilometer is deceptive, it doesn't show in the profile but i kicks up at about 6-7% which could count out the pure sprinters. That hill makes ridesr like Kruopis or Bole big threats, or could it be a fast man like Richeze?
The attacks do come straight out the gun, but Indosat are very keen on selecting the break themselves and chase down the moves.
So much so that no break is gone by the first Intermediate Sprint after 30km, and it's Richeze who capitalises with maximum points ahead of Dupont and Agustsson.
It takes an age for someone to get clear today. Olafsson finally makes the split and Varhanik goes with him. With just 80km to ride at this point perhaps a duo could stay clear?
With 53km to race the break duo goes across the days King of the Mountains sprint. No fight between them and it's Olafsson who takes the points ahead of Varhanik. The Peloton is lead across by Stachowiak 2'30 behind.
31km to ride and it's the final Intermediate Sprint. Again no contest and again it's Olafsson to collect the maximum on offer ahead of Varhanik. The Peloton has pulled the gap down to 1'10 as Matthews sprints over in 3rd.
The Peloton takes their time but the catch is made with 15km to race. The Duo made a good go of things but lacked the power.
Missed by the cameras, there is a crash with 9km to race! Haddou and Clarke hit the turf and a handful of riders are delayed.
With 3km left the Sprint Trains are in full force. Zhang moves aside for Nateghi who leads Kruopis with Corioni on his wheel. Mironov clears the way for Golas, then Bole who has Matthews just behind him and a string of other sprinters.
1.5km to go and the road ramps upwards. Nateghi and Golas move out of the way to release Kruopis and Bole! Corioni and Matthews already look at the limit as the two better climbers accelerate forwards
The ramp is preventing real acceleration, the race now is all about mainting speed. Kruopis and Bole are evenly matched and the pure sprinters like Corioni and Matthews cannot make any gains!
Aidis Kruopis wins Stage 1! Bole is 2nd but not by much. The final podium spot goes to Golas ahead of Nateghi, the lead-out men proving very strong!
Matthews was 5th, Vittoria a good 6th with Millan 7th. King was 8th as Corinoni really faded to 9th as Zhang made it three Indosats in the Top10.
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