The first stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné left a bittersweet taste for Spanish cyclists Enric Mas and Mikel Landa. The two riders, considered as outstanding figures in the international peloton, had a complicated day as they lost time to the leading group led by the Jumbo-Visma team.
Movistar's Enric Mas lost 15 seconds on the stage, while Mikel Landa of the Bahrain Victorious team lost 22 seconds. This lost time is significant, especially because in theory they should not have lost time in a stage that did not present major mountainous difficulties, with the final descent creating splits in the peloton.
The day revealed that both riders still need to work on their tactical skills and adaptation to unforeseen situations during the races. The final move of the Jumbo-Visma team, led by Jonas Vingegaard, dismantled the Spanish riders. In their eagerness to catch the escapee Rune Herregodts, who came close to victory, they pressed the pace to take the win with Christophe Laporte.
This setback will force Enric Mas and Mikel Landa to redouble their efforts in the coming stages. Not only did they lose time to Vingegaard, but also to other riders in the fight for the title and the podium. While it is true that the first stage is only the start of the race, these lost seconds could have repercussions in the general classification.
Del sol a la lluvia... y casi a una sorpresa en el primer día del @Dauphine. Rune Herregodts (ICW), parte de la fuga inicial de cinco corredores, sobrepasado solo en el sprint de Chambon-sur-Lac (1ª etapa) por Laporte (TJV, 1º) y Trentin (UAD, 2º). @MatteoJorg concluye como…
