Almeida storms opening Giro TT with podium

UAE Team Emirates got off to a flying start on day 1 of the Giro d’Italia, placing three riders in the top-10, with Joao Almeida the best-placed in third place at 29’’ from the winner.

Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quickstep) clocked the fasted time of 21’18’’ and becomes the first Maglia Rosa of the race with Almeida pushing a blistering pace of 54kmph on the mostly flat course from Fossacesia Marina to Ortona (19.6km).

Almeida: “I know my own abilities but I was a bit surprised by the time I did. But it just confirms the good work that the team has been doing so we are pretty happy with it. It’s important to start on the right foot and then let the race flow so I think we are in a pretty good position.”

Jay Vine also held the hot seat for some time, with the Australian champion eventually finishing 7th among an elite time-trialling field.

Brandon McNulty put in a fast ride particularly on the final kick to the line, securing the fastest time on the final sector and climbing the podium to put on the blue jersey.

McNulty : “It was really good , I had strong legs and to take a top-10 is quite nice. It was a bit surprising to take the blue jersey so it’s great to take a leaders jersey into tomorrow. We’ve put quite a bit of effort into the time trialling this year so it’s nice to see all the work paying off.”

Tomorrow the Giro continues with stage 2 from Teramo to San Salvo (202km) which is set to end in a sprint.

Stage results & GC after stage 1

1.Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quickstep) 21’18’’
2.Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) +22’’
3.Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) +29’’
7.Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) +46’’
8.Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) +48’’