A thrilling start to the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana! Biniam Girmay, in his dream debut with NSN Cycling, snatched a narrow victory in the opening stage, an achievement that hasn't been matched in over a year. But here's where it gets interesting...
The stage was dominated by the powerful Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe team, particularly through the impressive late attack of their young Italian rider, Giulio Pellizzari. Red Bull took control late in the race, up the only climb of the day, the Cat 3. Puerto de los Madroños, and launched Pellizzari into a strong position with just 18 kilometers left.
The race unfolded with early attacks from Mats Wenzel and Diego Pablo Sevilla, joined by Danny van der Tuuk and Lewis Adam. Despite a brief attempt by Hamish Armitt to bridge the gap, the race settled into a pattern with a small break, but it was clear that the main bunch was gaining ground.
The one categorized climb, the Puerto de los Madroños, acted as a flashpoint, with a visible acceleration in the peloton as they descended. Van der Tuuk took the opening bonus at the top, but the team cars passing the break indicated the strong bunch was closing in. Shortly after, the break was caught, leaving only 30 riders in the front group, including Red Bull's Remco Evenepoel and Pellizzari.
Notable absences included João Almeida and Mads Pedersen, and as Evenepoel picked up a time bonus, Pellizzari launched a late, strategic attack. Red Bull's move put their rivals in a tough spot - chase and risk Evenepoel's rise to the top, or wait and face Pellizzari's threat.
The chasers opted to wait, swelling their numbers, and the pursuit of Pellizzari began. However, the flat roads and an epic chase along the coast couldn't bring him back as quickly as expected. Bahrain Victorious, Ineos Grenadiers, and NSN all contributed, but it was a close call.
Ineos' Ben Turner initiated the sprint, but Girmay was right on his tail. His former teammate, Marit, tried to challenge, but as Marit later described, "Bini isn't the fastest starter, but once he hits his stride, he's unbeatable." And so Girmay took the win.
NSN's second win of the season continues their successful streak, but Girmay's lead is expected to be short-lived as the overall battle intensifies on Thursday. Stage two, a rolling time trial, will be crucial, even with the short distance. With Evenepoel's presence and Red Bull's high morale, the main question is how much of an advantage the Belgian will gain, potentially claiming his third victory in a week.
This race is a must-watch, with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat!
Results powered by FirstCycling.
Alasdair Fotheringham, a cycling journalist since 1991, has covered numerous races, from the Tour de France to the Olympic Games. His expertise brings a unique perspective to the sport.
