The shortened first road stage of the Tour de Romandie was a race of great excitement but also one of comforting familiarity.
Team Sky pulling hard on the front of the bunch allowed us a glimpse at how some of Chris Froome’s likely Tour de France domestiques are shaping up for summer.
Vincenzo Nibali (Astana), descending at phenomenal speed, was in his element as he reminded everybody why he is expected to push Froome so hard in July.
The sight of Thomas Voeckler (Team Europcar) going solo off the front is also something fans have become accustomed to in recent years – and it certainly will not be the last time he attacks either.
Omega Pharma-Quickstep’s response to the two attacks was also a sure sign of what to expect in the summer – Tony Martin reminding everyone why he is such a key element of the Belgian super team’s set-up.
In fact, the only unfamiliar sight in the end was that of a Swiss rider, Michael Albasini (Orica-GreenEDGE) taking the stage victory – the first of his countrymen to win in Romandie for ten years.
But where does it all leave us? Read our five observations over the following pages.
