Groenewegen sprints to victory on opening stage of Volta Valenciana

Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2020 kicked off with a rolling 180-kilometer stage from Castellón to Villareal won by Dylan Groenewegen (Jumbo-Visma).

The Dutchman took the field sprint, besting Fabio Jakobson (Deceuninck-Quick-Step), and Alexander Kristoff (UAE Team Emirates).

“I think we were very strong so thanks to my team,” Groenewegen said. “It was also very hectic in the finale, but I was in a position to sprint. We take the first victory for the team so it’s really great. Everyone is fresh in the first races, so if you can win the first one it’s really nice.

“I think the shape is really good, the team is really strong, there are two chances more this week, so we’ll try to win again.”

Thursday’s second stage is an undulating 181km route from Torrent to Cullera. The stage finishes with a steep 3.1km climb which exceeds 21 percent in the final 150 meters. Time bonuses for the first three places could produce a battle between the GC favorites.

.@GroenewegenD @JumboVismaRoad wins stage 1 of @VueltaCV #VCV2020 (?@EurosportNorge)https://t.co/x7v8ruUcJH pic.twitter.com/RQ5rfIbNIR

— FirstCycling.com (@FirstCycling) February 5, 2020

Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2020 – stage 1 results (Castelló – Vila-Real):

Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2020 – general classification after stage 1: