PREVIEW | Volta a Catalunya 2023 stage 1 - Bryan Coquard and Ethan Hayter main favourites for opening sprint stage

Preview. Stage 1 of the Volta a Catalunya will put the sprinters to the test, as they find an explosive finish where many riders' legs will be tested.

Stage one to Sant Feliu de Guíxols will be a loop, with the coastal town receiving the start of the Catalan event. It is a tricky day, one that is designed for the sprinters, however those who are able to climb as it is by far a flat affair. The 164 kilometers will have some small difficulties and a treacherous uphill drag to the line. There will be four categorized climbs in the day.

Start and finish time Stage 1: 13:05 - 17:00CET

The final one of those will summit with 25 kilometers to go. The ascent is 4.6 kilometers long at 5.6%, not a brutal one but it will cause some damage in the pure sprinters. If that isn't enough however the final kilometers will. They are very rolling, technical and the pace should be furious as it will be hard to position.

There will be a small descent leading into the final 2 kilometers where the peloton will be stretched. The pace into it will be very high. Then they go up to Sant Feliu de Guíxols, a slight hilltop finish as the final avenue goes up with gradients of 5%. The ramp is over 500 meters long, it will make a difference to the stage's decision.

Slight northeastern breeze on the day. Should not affect it much, could possible make for a tailwind finish.

Bryan Coquard - Winner of a slight hilltop finish at the Tour Down Under, it is safe to say this is a perfect finale for Coquard. A hilly day but winning here would also mean leading a World Tour race, an important achievement for a rider who has worked so hard throughout his career. Cofidis have a modest team but it's not like there will be luxurious rival leadouts.

Ethan Hayter - At his best Ethan Hayter can ride just about every terrain. This year he hasn't yet shown his best level, not even close. INEOS Grenadiers will be supporting him as a leader on this day and the uphill drag to the line will be good form him, but he will need a perfect day to make it work.

As I've said the field of sprinters isn't exactly luxurious. Kaden Groves should be the main favourite but he hasn't looked too sharp yet this year. Jon Aberasturi and Clément Venturini will also have important opportunities here.

In the field of the puncheurs who carry a strong sprint, or riders who are half sprint half puncheurs, you also have the likes of Hugo Hofstetter, Milan Menten, Andreas Kron and Corbin Strong who will all have their eyes open for this finale.

The finale will be tricky. The lack of true big sprinters here can influence the GC riders into trying to go for bonifications, as most will need to be close to the front in order to prevent getting caught out in splits. Such a finale could see a surprise, on his best day Primoz Roglic could be in contention for the stage win. Remco Evenepoel and Giulio Ciccone will also be interesting riders to keep an eye out on the day.

*** Bryan Coquard, Ethan Hayter
** Kaden Groves, Milan Menten, Corbin Strong
* Primoz Roglic, Hugo Hofstetter, Jon Aberaturi, Andreas Kron, Clément Venturini

Pick: Bryan Coquard