BARCELONA, 12 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The British cyclist Stephen Williams (Bahrain Victorious) has become this Sunday the first leader of the 85th edition of the Tour de Suisse, after winning the first stage, of 177.6 kilometers with start and finish in the town of Küsnacht.
With a time of 4 hours, 16 minutes and 41 seconds, the Briton won the sprint against a group of 15 runners on arrival at the last port of the day, in the third category, ahead of the German Maximilian Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Danish Andreas Kron (Lotto-Soudal), second and third respectively.
The Tour de Suisse, the final preparation race for the Tour de France, got off to an explosive start on a hilly stage with attacks and plenty of climbing practice along the way. Thus, the escape of the day was carried out by seven cyclists, although the main group kept it under 3 minutes at all times and managed to neutralize it 5 kilometers from the end.
Thus, the favorites to take the general, such as the Belgian Remco Evenepoel (QuickStep-AlphaVinyl), the Colombian Sergio Higuita (BORA Hansgrohe), or the British Adam Yayes (INEOS Grenadiers) finished the day 10 seconds behind the leader, while the Colombian Daniel Martínez (INEOS Grenadiers) got off the hook with a minute difference.
This Monday the second stage will be held between the towns of Küsnacht and Aesch, with a route of 178 kilometers, a day with a difficult ascent that rises above the downhill finish.