Pascal Ackermann (Bora-hansgrohe) won the opening stage of the Tour of Slovenia in Rogaška Slatina today.
The German champion finished the 171km route that started in Ljubljana in a time of 4:04:58.
Second across the line was Giacomo Nizzolo (Dimension Data), with Simone Consonni (UAE Team Emirates) completing the podium.
Luka Mezgec (Mitchelton-Scott) came in fourth, while Andrea Vendrame (Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec) placed fifth.
“I think it was my longest sprint ever. I started with 500 metres to go because Mezgec from the back with high speed and I just had to go for a long sprint. I was so happy to cross the finish line,” said Ackermann, who takes the first overall leader’s jersey of the race.
“After the Giro I recovered well and I also got a boost from my first Grand Tour. On the climbs I had fun today.”
Tour of Slovenia 2019 – stage 1 results (Ljubljana – Rogaška Slatina):
| 1 | Pascal Ackermann (Bora-hansgrohe) | 4:04:58 |
| 2 | Giacomo Nizzolo (Dimension Data) | ,, |
| 3 | Simone Consonni (UAE Team Emirates) | ,, |
| 4 | Luka Mezgec (Mitchelton-Scott) | ,, |
| 5 | Andrea Vendrame (Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec) | ,, |
| 6 | Rui Oliveira (UAE Team Emirates) | ,, |
| 7 | Grega Bole (Bahrain-Merida) | ,, |
| 8 | Jérémy Leveau (Delko Marseille Provence) | ,, |
| 9 | Kristian Sbaragli (Israel Cycling Academy) | ,, |
| 10 | Umberto Marengo (Neri Sottoli–Selle Italia–KTM) | ,, |
