Despite riding in slippery conditions, the Belgian posted a good time in the Baar prologue.
The weather made the first stage of the 80th Tour de Suisse more difficult than the course itself, the rain playing an important role in the final outcome. Many riders had the misfortune of setting off on wet roads, which forced them to slow down in the corners, and eventually led to a different result than the one they were expecting at the start of the day. Among those was also Etixx – Quick-Step's Yves Lampaert, who concluded the 6.4-km long race in 7:48 and at one point even stayed in the hot seat, before eventually finishing 11th, just 10 seconds off winner Fabian Cancellara (Trek-Segafredo).
The result left the 25-year-old with a sorrow taste, but Yves – who made his debut at the Tour de Suisse – was keen on looking at the bright side of things: "Unfortunately, the weather didn't play in my favour and I rode on wet roads, so because of this I lost many important seconds and some places in the standings. It wasn't easy and I had to be focused in every moment on my race and on not making any mistake. I'm not happy with my result, but considering all the factors, I am satisfied with my condition, so I look forward to the next days."
Stage 2 of the Tour de Suisse will take place in and out of Baar, over a 47.6-km long circuit, which is due to be covered four times. The course includes four climbs which can stretch out the peloton, whilst the finish is a rolling one, suited to the sprinters with a hint of punch.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele
