Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale) has won the first stage of the 2012 Tour de Suisse.
The 22-year-old delivered a fearless performance on the 7.3km city centre course in Lugano to finish four seconds ahead of his closest rival, Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack-Nissan-Trek).
Cancellara was riding for a third consecutive victory on the opening stage of his home race, held this year on the same course as last, but was thwarted by the speed and determination of his young Czech rival.
He said: ““It’s always sad when the home favorite doesn’t win, but I am still getting better and I am feeling better. I will continue to concentrate and focus on what is coming.
“On the top of the climb I had gone so deep today. I have to keep reminding myself that I’m coming back from injury and so what I did today makes me happy. That’s my little victory. But of course from a sporting point of view, I am sad. That’s how life goes for a cyclist.
“I am still learning to handle the pressure as I know that’s my responsibility and today I think I put up a good battle so I will be satisfied.”
Sagan’s Italian teammate, Moreno Moser, completed a successful day for the Italian squad by finishing third, seven seconds behind Sagan and just three seconds behind Cancellara.
But the home fans were left with much to cheer: Cancellara was one of three Swiss riders in the top 10. Martin Elmiger (AG2R-La Mondiale) was fourth at 11 seconds, and Michael Albasini (Orica-GreenEDGE) was sixth at 17 seconds.
The 2008 overall winner, Roman Kreuziger (Astana), finished eight at 18 seconds and will hope for a strong race.
Frank Schleck (RadioShack-Nissan-Trek), champion in 2010, also rode well in his first race since abandoning the Giro d’Italia.
Tomorrow’s 218.3km stage from Verbiana to Verbier will take the riders into the high mountains.
Tour de Suisse – stage one result
1) Peter Sagan (SVK) – Liquigas-Cannondale – 9.43
2) Fabian Cancellara (SWI) – RadioShack-Nissan-Trek +4”
3) Moreno Moser (ITA) – Liquigas-Cannondale +7”
4) Martin Elmiger (SWI) – AG2R-La Mondiale +11”
5) Fredrik Kessiakoff (SWE) – Astana +15”
6) Michael Albasini (SWI) – Orica-GreenEdge +17”
7) Dario Cataldo (ITA) – Omega Pharma-QuickStep +18”
8) Roman Kreuziger (CZE) – Astana +19”
9) Tom Slagter (NED) – Rabobank +20”
10) Jakob Fuglsang (DEN) – RadioShack-Nissan-Trek +22”
General classification
1) Peter Sagan (SVK) – Liquigas-Cannondale – 9.43
2) Fabian Cancellara (SWI) – RadioShack-Nissan-Trek +4”
3) Moreno Moser (ITA) – Liquigas-Cannondale +7”
4) Martin Elmiger (SWI) – AG2R-La Mondiale +11”
5) Fredrik Kessiakoff (SWE) – Astana +15”
6) Michael Albasini (SWI) – Orica-GreenEdge +17”
7) Dario Cataldo (ITA) – Omega Pharma-QuickStep +18”
8) Roman Kreuziger (CZE) – Astana +19”
9) Tom Slagter (NED) – Rabobank +20”
10) Jakob Fuglsang (DEN) – RadioShack-Nissan-Trek +22”
