Today is just an appetizer for the remainder of the race. A bullet-prologue to wet our taste buds of 2.7km around the streets of Sakai.
Jelle Wallays takes an early leading time of 3’39
Van Schip and Mathis equal that time
This sort of stage requires a short explosive effort from the riders. It also requires a sharp eye to keep track of such a quick success of events. Blink and you’ll miss the next best time!
Pierre Rolland is the next to lead the rankings. Also 3’39 for him.
And now Rekita does the same!
Kuboki is the next taking best time also at 3’39. He’s ranked below Rekita though, so close but no cigar for the japanese
Today’s favourite Gabriel Chavanne is on the road now. Can he repeat last year’s triumph?
No, he can’t. He finishes just one second off the pace of Rekita.
Ulanowski with yet another ride at 3’39. Provisional 3rd for him now.
Time for Porsev to also take a bite at the 3’39 pie. The russian slots in provisional 4th.
Redemption for Sauber? Aregger finishes within the 3’39 group. Where is going to end up?
Between Kuboki and Ulanowski. It is third place for him.
Only a few riders left to finish now. Choi is the next to inscript his name in the top10. His time? Take a guess! He slots in sixth.
And the final rider to take a meaningful time today is Contreras. The meaningful time is the one you know I’m talking about – 3’39, which curiously is the time of all top10 entries. He finishes sixth relegating his predecessor to 7th.
And that’s it for today. Rekita is our first yellow jersey wearer. A pretty successful day for Netia who see their leader Kwiatkowski finish as the best GC contender at 25th, with just one second more than his team mate.
