Chris Froome got his Tour de Romandie title defence off to an encouraging start in Ascona.
Kwiatkowski powers into early lead
Chris Froome got his Tour de Romandie title defence off to an encouraging start in Ascona, finishing just 10 seconds back on winner Michal Kwiatkowski.
Final rider down the ramp, the Team Sky rider's time stacked up favourably against a number of general classification rivals in what was always going to be a tight contest across the short 5.57-kilometre blast.
Bouncing back from a last-minute withdrawal at Liege-Bastogne-Liege on Sunday Froome took no risks as he made light work of the tight lakeside course.
Kwiatkowski (Omega Pharma – Quick-Step) continued his momentum following the Ardennes with victory, clocking a fastest time of six minutes and 22 seconds to move into the early race lead.
The time was enough to hold off team-mate and time trial world champion Tony Martin, who placed fifth, while the fastest rider at the intermediate split Rohan Dennis (Garmin-Sharp) came home four seconds back.
Sprint powerhouse Marcel Kittel (Argos-Shimano) displayed why he was once better known for his time trial capabilities with third on the day.
Xabier Zandio and Richie Porte were the next Team Sky riders home, setting times 22 and 23 seconds respectively back on the day’s winner.
Opening blast
The first stage began just outside the Romandie region and on a short course it was no surprise to see the first 50 riders covered by 20 seconds.
The event did not get off to a good start for one of the pre-race contenders after Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing) crashed early into his prologue run. The American finished last on the stage, dropping 3:21 to the leader.
Kwiatkowski headed down the ramp early and, despite nine riders going quicker at the half-way point, set a searing benchmark that would not be bettered.
Wednesday's stage one features 200.9km from Ascona to Sion and is live on Sky Sports 2 HD between 1500-1700.
