The race starts with a 4,7km prologue. And the Kiwis actually hope for a home win as they have couple of good bets here with Scully, Gunman or a bit behind Gudsell/ Davison.
They will challenge the top time trialists Tennant and Flens with couple more being in the mix as well.
Gunman as first of the favourites. Right now Darren Matthews in the lead 4s over Popcov and then with +1s each Tvetcov, Sweeck and Zoidl.
Back to Gunman, who comes into the finish as 5th only. +6s which is quite disappointing for the Fox rider.
Flens might ride in the CT only, though he is the reigning Dutch National Champion. And he justifies this by going into the lead. 4s faster than Mattehws and also Krasnov was doing a good time in 3rd at the moment. Griffith in 4th also a recent finisher.
Davison was not expected to be the best home rider today but right now he has good chances as he comes into the finish as provisional 3rd just 5s off Flens` time.
While Anton finished 20s behind Flens as one of the big GC guys, Japanese NC Oba also can`t beat the best times. 5th for him 7s down.
Couple sprinters want to show a good prologue to fight for the lead after day 2. One of those is Vingerling and he is 13th 12s down. So looking possible for him.
Tennant as best time trialist prefers the longer courses. So he is definitely favourite for the later TT. Today he has to challenge similar riders...and fails. 7th only for him. 7s off, which is only 3s to the 2nd actually. Still Darren Matthews there surprisingly!
Scully as last rider to possibly change the podium. But also the last home rider fails. 9th for him.
Hence Flens takes the win here in the opening prologue ahead of Matthews and Davison.
Krasnov as 4th with best chances to take over the lead when sprinting for bonus seconds tomorrow while also Scully and Vingerling are in reach.
