Rafal Majka seizes golden opportunity in Slovenia: "Tadej told me I could try to win"

The Tour of Slovenia got off to a fast start in Nova Gorica. Rafal Majka won the stage ahead of Domen Novak and teammate Tadej Pogacar.

Majka launched an attack with 1.4 kilometers to go, and Pogacar, grateful for his assistance all-year long, played a major role in his moment of glory. Novak couldn't keep up, and Majka crossed the finish line first, with Pogacar's arms in the air as well, placing third behind Novak on the opening day.

“We were a bit surprised the action kicked off from so far out," he said, as Pogacar himself attacked early in the day to create differences. Majka and Bahrain - Victorious rider Domen Novak soon joined. "On the 2nd category climb, the pace went up a lot and Tadej asked to accelerate, we shelled out the group and then went off on the attack. We managed to get to the finish line: it was a long breakaway, but we had good legs thanks to the good training we did in Livigno."

"I thank the whole team for their trust and support, with a special mention for Tadej, he was the strongest today too, but he told me I could try to win. I am happy with the result, now we will concentrate to look for new stage successes and to support Pogačar in the general classification," he concluded. Majka will depart into the second stage in the lead of the race, and UAE Team Emirates look set for overall win early on.