Nat Bromhead
Orica-Scott’s Michael Albasini enjoyed a thrilling victory on home roads at the rain-soaked Stage 1 of the Tour de Romandie overnight.
The 36yo Swiss rider continued his solid run of form to secure his second stage victory and fourth podium place of the season.
“It was not easy to win today coming straight from the classics as that was a big goal and it takes a lot of mental energy,” he said after the win.
“I really needed to focus coming to this race to suffer and to fight. It is Romandie so it is important I can come here and race well, so I am very happy that I could take the win today. I wasn’t so confident for today’s stage but I told myself if I can be there at the end in Liege-Bastogne-Liege after 4,000metres of climbing then why can’t I be able to be here over the climbs today.”
Chris Froome Finishes 5th
Multiple Tour de France winner Chris Froome finished 5th on the stage, the tour being his first major outing since the Jayco Herald Sun Tour in Australia earlier in the year.
Richie Porte is also racing the event that’s seen as a precursor to the Tour de France – the BMC Racing Team leader finishing 33 seconds behind the lead group. The race continues tonight with the 160km Stage 2 from Champéry to Bulle, a stage taking in just over 2000m of climbing.
