"It was a great experience, especially on the last climb with all these people" - Biniam Girmay on Tour de France debut

Biniam Girmay has had a first taste of Tour de France racing last afternoon in the Basque Country, where he found a stage too hard for his abilities, but has come down satisfied with his form ahead of the remaining three weeks.

"It was a great experience, especially on the last climb with all these people. I really enjoyed it. The last climb was really steep, it's not really my thing, but I'm happy with my condition today," Girmay said after the stage. The Intermarché - Circus - Wanty rider was dropped in the Alto de Vivero as the pace was quite high in the peloton throughout the day, anticipating the GC battle that would happen in the final kilometers.

As Louis Meintjes arrived in the second chasing group the team has not had reasons to complain of it's opening day, with Girmay crossing the finish line in 77th place, over 7 minutes down on stage winner Adam Yates.

Today's second stage into San Sebastián may suit the Eritrean well, it is a question that will only be answered how hard the pace will be throughout the day's climbs, but if there is a conservative approach to them Girmay could find himself in the fight for victory at the end of the day.