Michal Kwiatkowski is the man of the moment after he delivered another reminder of his phenomenal talents with prologue victory at the Tour de Romandie.
The young Pole, 23, is in great form, securing his first career WorldTour victory to follow his two podium places at the Ardennes Classics.
Omega Pharma-Quickstep announced their young protégée would ride with no pressure as they gauged his fitness before he takes a break from competitive racing.
But he allayed any fears he would not have the legs with a strong time trial, taking more than four seconds out of his closest rivals.
Chris Froome (Team Sky), Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) and Simon Spilak (Katusha) all remain in the hunt for the yellow jersey after their own solid efforts, but Tejay van Garderen’s race is in tatters after the BMC Racing man crashed heavily.
It was less than six kilometres in length, but there was still plenty to learn from the Ascona time trial.
Read our five observations over the following pages, and add your own in the RCUK Forum.
