"You have no idea how much fun this is after everything that happened last year" - Joy at last for Tobias Foss with victory on opening stage of Tour of the Alps

For the first time in INEOS Grenadiers colours and for the first time in a road race, former time-trial world champion Tobias Foss took a win on the opening stage of the 2024 Tour of the Alps.

“It's always uncertain, that first race after you return from a training period at altitude,” Foss reflected afterwards to Wielerflits. “But it was okay. The pace on the last climb felt a bit uncomfortable at times, but I survived the climb well in the favourites group. With the summit in sight, I still had minor cramps, but luckily we played our cards well. We had to stay calm and then I had good legs for the sprint. Not much could happen in the areas with a headwind, but as soon as we had a tailwind, the door was open for attacks. It was a cool final.”

As mentioned, this was a first career win for Foss that wasn't against the clock. "I have been waiting for my first professional victory in a road race for a long time, which is why this is extra beautiful and emotional," he adds with delight. "You have no idea how much fun this is after everything that happened last year. There's a lot coming together at the same time now, but it's a special feeling.”

Although he's not officially confirmed, performing so well in a Giro d'Italia warmup race surely does Foss chances of making the INEOS Grenadiers' Grand Tour lineup no harm. “To be clear: my participation is not one hundred percent certain. I'm on the longlist and things are looking good," he assesses. "I look forward to riding for Geraint Thomas and Thymen Arensman."

"I saw this first six months as a kind of rehab, in which I could find my rhythm again and become a normal rider again. If I can get through the Giro without any problems, then I have a super solid block in my backpack," the 26-year-old concludes. "Then I can build on the Olympic time trial, my main goal of the year, and I also want to participate in some stage races.”