Wind delayed João Almeida in the first stage of the Tour

- advertising -

Caldense cyclist João Almeida lost 49 seconds (with bonuses) to the first riders to cross the finish line in the first stage of this year's Tour de France. It was a very busy first day, with a spectacle and many adventures, including falls that led to the abandonment of important men (Bissegger, from Decathlon AG2R, and Ganna, from INEOS).

The Caldense rider reached the end of the stage in a second group which also included two candidates for the overall, Primosz Roglic, from Red Bull – Bora, and Evenepoel, from Soudal Quickstep.

Among the group that contested the sprint, won by the fast Philipsen (from Alpecin), was the main favourite for the overall victory, the Slovenian Tadej Pogacar, who is the leader of João Almeida's team (UAE Emirates XRG Sprint). In that group was also the second biggest candidate, Jonas Vingegaard, from Visma, also supported by Jorgensen.

At the finish in Lille, Girmay was second and Wærenskjold was third. João Almeida was 60th overall, 49 seconds behind the first rider to wear yellow this year (Philipsen).

This Sunday there is more to see, on the second day of the Grand Boucle, a long stage (almost 210 kilometres), which connects Lauwin-Planque to Boulogne-sur-Mer.

UAE managed to put the leader in a good position from the first day, but saw Politt and, especially, Yates, but also Sivakov, fall behind by around five and a half minutes. Narvaez arrived in João's group. Belgian champion Wellens arrived in the first group and Spaniard Marc Soler crossed the finish line more than two and a half minutes behind the first.

However, there is still a long way to go and many changes to be made to the league table. The show has begun!

- advertising -