Wednesday afternoon at the Volta Ao Algarve taught us at least 2 things:One big name rider is back in the saddle, and another is back on form. Philippe Gilbert stole the show from the sprinters with one of his signature last km attacks and gained himself just enough separation for the win.
It's a big win for the Belgian, who is seeking to get onto his top form before the classics start in March and April. Gilbert is first and foremost a classics rider, and this stage was somewhat similar to a less grueling version of a one day European event.
But even as Gilbert crossed the line, there was something else on everybody else's mind.
"How is Alberto Contador doing?"Judging by today, he seems to be just fine as he had little trouble sticking with the leaders and his teammates in the peloton.
Everyone (including me because I didn't plan to cover this race) threw their attention to this race after it was announced Contador would participate. I'd expect Contador to ride quite a few races for a while, in order to get on form before the Giro and the Tour later in the year. He obviously lost a chunk of training time, but I'm sure he can make up for lost time.
Gilbert was obviously the winner but it was up to the fast men to decide the rest of the opening stage results. Gerald Ciolek won the sprint to the line, beating out Andre Greipel. Tyler Farrar, and Michael Matthews for the top spot. The GC will look exactly as the stage results did.
Weather was a bit of a problem early, but conditions eventually calmed down enough that the riders could get the stage kicked off.
Stage Results/GC
1. Philippe Gilbert
2. Gerald Ciolek -9
3. Andre Greipel -11
4. Tyler Farrar -15
5. Michael Matthews -15
20. Louis Leon Sanchez -15
27. Ryder Hesjedal -15
28. Alberto Contador -15
30. Mick Rogers -15
31. Tejay Van Garderen -15
33. Roman Kreuzinger -15
34. Tony Martin -15
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