This Saturday 26th of August, Team Intermarché-Circus-Wanty started its third Vuelta in its history just outside the top ten of the opening team time trial through the wet streets of Barcelona.
The Walloon World Team covered the 14.8 kilometer on the wet urban circuit with numerous corners at an average speed of 47 kilometer per hour, setting the twelfth best time.
"We can say that our team started the Vuelta well in this opening team time trial. Our riders has confidence in their equipment, however, we decided to not take any risks in the corners and only set a good pace in the straight lines. This enabled us to finish with the twelfth best time. In my opinion it was even possible to do a lot better if we would have been less careful but it was essential for us to start the next days with full strength." "The profiles of the next stages are perfect for breakaways. I think the chances on a victory for escapees are higher in the third stage towards Andorra than this Sunday, in which I expect Team dsm-firmenich to defend the red leader's jersey. But no matter what happens, we plan to race aggressively from the first stage." "After the loss of our sprinter Gerben Thijssen before the race even started, and consequently also the highest chances on a stage victory for our team, everyone managed to refocus. The roles are slightly adjusted, each rider has a clear mission. The atmosphere is excellent, everyone is in good health and ready to chase our third stage victory in three participations in the Vuelta."
