Primoz Roglic edges Remco Evenepoel in Stage 1 drag race at Volta Ciclista a Catalunya after nasty crash

Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) edged Remco Evenepoel (Soudal–Quick-Step) in an uphill drag race to win Stage 1 at Volta Ciclista a Catalunya, although his win was overshadowed by a nasty crash in the closing stages.

It was a thrilling showdown between the two favourites for the Giro d’Italia in May, but a crash with 5.5km remaining will attract attention after six riders were left on the floor.

Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates), Dario Cataldo (Trek-Segafredo), Michael Storer (Groupama-FDJ) and Anthony Delaplace (Arkea Samsic) were among those to hit the deck after a scary cascade effect in the peloton, just minutes after the remnants of the day’s breakaway had been hoovered up.

Roglic was first to launch his sprint in a lively finale, holding on for victory as the fast-finishing Evenepoel slapped his handlebars in frustration.

“You always wish the best, the thing is when you need to do it. The guys did a great job and I just had enough in the legs at the end,” said Roglic.

“It’s just day one, there’s some super hard days to come so we will see how we go day by day.”

Roglic leads Evenepoel in the general classification by four seconds courtesy of time bonuses. Ide Schelling (Bora-hansgrohe) is third at six seconds.

Former Volta Ciclista a Catalunya champion Yates came in 10 minutes and 35 seconds behind Roglic.

A statement from UAE Team Emirates said: “Unfortunately Adam Yates was caught up in a crash in the final kilometres, but thankfully escaped with abrasions and could finish the stage.”

– – –