Team Jayco AlUla got the Volta Comunitat a la Valenciana off to a flying start with solid second place in the opening team time trial.
With ambitions in the general classification, the fast, rolling 34.5km race against the clock was an important day for the squad. The stage also marked the first outing in team colours for new signing Ben O’Connor.
Going out early, the Australian squad laid down a strong benchmark and set the provisional fastest times at the intermediate check and the finish line.
After a long wait, only one team could better their time of 40:06, putting team leader O’Connor into a strong position heading into another crucial day on stage two.
Jelte Krijnsen
“The team time trial was quite a tough one and we lost three guys earlier than planned, which made it quite challenging but, in the end, we still managed to get second, so I think it’s not a bad starting point. Personally, I’m feeling quite strong, and in the end, it was a good day for me to start with.”
David McPartland (Sport Director)
“The race started off on the right foot for us today. The four that went to the line rallied together and really finished off a solid job. We are now sitting in a pretty good position with Ben. We’re 46 seconds back on Trek, but more importantly we already have five seconds on UAE Team Emirates and Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, so I’m quite satisfied with that ride today.”
Volta Comunitat a la Valenciana stage 1 results
1. Lidl-Trek 00:39:20
2. Team Jayco AlUla +46
Photo: Sprint Cycling
