On the equivalent stage in last year’s race, Sir Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky) blew the GC apart on the first stage with a well-timed attack on the Alt de Collsacreu. It split the bunch and left the likes of Jakob Fuglsang, Simon Gerrans, Chris Horner and Nairo Quintana facing up to already having lost 30 seconds overall.
Wilco Kelderman’s attack could have done something similar this time out – as could the many punches and counter-punches launched on the category three climb. It was a case of once bitten, twice shy as the saying goes however. Any attack was neutralised, with several teams taking turns on the front of the bunch and keeping the average speed at a steady 40km/h. There will be big attacks to follow this week. But it was a case of so far, so good for the GC contenders.
