For the tenth consecutive year, the Swiss event started with a race against the clock.
The last World Tour race of the month, the Tour de Romandie got underway Tuesday afternoon with a short and undulating prologue held on the streets of Villars-sur-Glâne, over just 3.2 kilometers.
Soudal Quick-Step came to the start of the Swiss race with a strong and experienced team, ready to grab any opportunity that may come this week. In the time trial, Louis Vervaeke was our fastest rider; the Belgian stopped the clock in 3:54, which made him the squad’s best placed rider on the general classification, led by Dorian Godon (Ineos Grenadiers).
Going into the first stage, things are tight in the overall standings, but everything can change in Martigny, and that’s because the peloton will face the daunting Ovronnaz climb. Averaging 9.8% over 8.9 kilometers, this ascent is expected to widen the gaps between the riders, despite being crested with 35 kilometers to go. After a fast descent, only 20 kilometers remain until the finish, making it difficult for those dropped to come back and fight for victory in the city lying in the beautiful Rhône valley.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
