Sprintstar Jasper Philipsen won the 80th Vuelta opening stage at the detour in Italy.
After 186.7 kilometers from Turin to Novara, the Belgian cycling professional won the victory in front of the British Ethan Vernon and Orluis Aular from Venezuela and is therefore also the first bearer of the red management jersey of this year’s tour of Spain.
Philipsen had already won the first stage at the Tour de France this year, but had to give up two days later after a severe fall.
Philipsen had suffered a broken collarbone and a rib fracture. “Winning is always great. I was disappointed that I had to get out on the tour. It may be a reward for it,” said Philipsen after his success.
Vingegaard as a top favorite
Tophavorit Jonas Vingegaard ended the first section in the main field. The two-time Tour-de France champion from Denmark is hoping for a happy ending this season after he had remained without a chance again on the tour of France against his opponent Tadej Pogacar.
The Slovenian is not at the start at the Vuelta, just like last year’s winner Primoz Roglic, double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel and young star Florian Lipowitz.
On Sunday, the first endurance test for the candidates for the overall victory. At the end of the 159.5 kilometers it goes up to Limone Piemonte, an increase in the second category.
The Vuelta route has it overall. There are ten mountain arrivals, including the infamous Angliru with up to 23.5 percent climb, to cope with Madrid until the final on September 14th.