First day and already the first gaps between the general classification contenders.
The Langhe area of Piemonte, in northwest Italy, played host to the opening stage of Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali, one containing four classified climbs that made for an elevation gain of more than 2400 meters.
Nine riders extricated themselves from the peloton early on this 161.5km stage and went on to build a gap of almost three minutes. As a result, it turned out to be quite an easy task for the bunch to bring them back; after gradually reducing that margin, the chasers reabsorbed the breakaway on the last ascent of the day and continued to keep things together for the uphill finish in Barolo.
The final kilometer averaged over 6% but featured a maximum gradient of 11% which brought the punchers to the fore. Axel Laurance (Ineos Grenadiers) ended up taking the victory and the race’s first leader’s jersey, while Max Schachmann – who is making his second stage race appearance of the season – concluded as the highest-ranked Soudal Quick-Step rider.
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